Tenants and property owners share responsibility under Tasmanian law to ensure smoke alarms work.
Property owner responsibilities:
- Install either mains-powered or 10-year non-removable lithium battery photoelectric smoke alarms
- Clean, test and ensure all alarms are operating prior to new occupancy
- Replace back-up batteries in mains-powered smoke alarms
- Replace alarms every 10 years
- Smoke alarms are required to be installed in all hallways and at the top of all stairways.
Tenant responsibilities:
- Test and clean alarms during occupancy
- Report faults to owner/manager
- Notify owner/manager of any fire safety concerns.
ALL smoke alarms in rental properties are required by law to be either mains powered or have a 10 year non-removable battery.
Placing smoke alarms
Smoke alarms required by law (minimum legal requirements)
Additional smoke alarms recommended by Tasmania Fire Service
Carbon monoxide alarms recommended by Tasmania Fire Service
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Click to enlarge: A guide for smoke alarm placement in a multi-storey home
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Click to enlarge: A guide for smoke alarm placement in a single-storey home
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Some smoke alarms may need to be installed by a qualified electrician. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
To find out more, go to: cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/housing/renting/beginning-tenancy/smoke-alarms
Hot tips
- To best protect your tenants and your investment, Tasmania Fire Service strongly recommends placing a smoke alarm in each sleeping area (bedroom), hallway, living area, garage and at the top of stairways in multi-storey homes.
- Interconnect smoke alarms so when one goes off they all go off alerting you and your family as quickly as possible if there is a fire.