Regulation 76B of the Regulations under the Development Act, 1993 requires that smoke alarms complying with Australian Standard 3786 be fitted. In a rental property, it is the responsibility of the building owner or landlord to install and maintain working smoke alarms.
The type of smoke alarm you require depends on when you purchased your home or the age of your home;
- For homes or residential rental properties that are purchased before 1 February 1998 you are required to fit a replaceable battery powered smoke alarm.
- For homes or residential rental properties purchased on or after 1 February 1998, regulation 76B requires a smoke alarm (or smoke alarms) to be fitted within six months from the day on which the title is transferred and be either a 240 volt, mains-powered smoke alarm or a 10-year life, non-replaceable, non-removable, permanently connected battery powered smoke alarm.
- For homes or residential rental properties built on or after 1 January 1995 the Building Code of Australia requires a 240 volt, mains powered smoke alarm.