We have been following up with owners regarding the quotes from smoke alarm contractors. I would like to share some Frequently Asked Questions with you:
Deadline: 1st January 2022 – we suggest that you organise the upgrade NOW.
Why? some owners have done their research and said some smoke alarm brands are out of stock. Suppliers are telling us that we will have a shortage of electricians and price may increase if we all wait till the end of 2021.
Prices: Please ensure that your smoke alarm installer use high-quality compliant alarms, check what brand they’re using, warranty and make sure they meet below requirements:
• be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014); and
• not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
• be less than 10 years old; and
• operate when tested; and
• be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together; and
• be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
Warranty: Some brands offer 5 years warranty, some offer 7 years. Red brand offers 10 years warranty with a remote control.
Consequences:
If your rental property is not compliant by the deadline, the property cannot be leased, existing tenancies cannot be renewed and the property cannot be sold.
After the upgrade, smoke alarms still need to be serviced in rentals properties. They must be serviced within 30 days prior to a lease renewal or changeover.
Regardless of who you choose to complete the upgrade, your current smoke alarm contractor or an electrician, we strongly recommend that you subscribe to an Annual Service Plan so all the alarms are serviced and maintained as per legislative requirements.
Benefits:
1. Unlimited visits with compliance certificate = peace of mind
If anything happens to your rental properties. It’s really not worth the risk of voiding your house insurance.
2. Cost saving if you do short term leases (3-6 months), or tenant breaks lease or there are false alarms.
3. We have a special offer from trusted smoke alarm contractors. We’re here to help you make your rental property compliant.
For more information: RTA offers a webinar on Smoke alarm laws: https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/news/2020/08/12/smoke-alarm-laws-what-you-need-to-know-in-queensland
