New Smoke Detector Requirements For Landlords

28 June 2016

NEW SMOKE DETECTOR REQUIREMENTS FOR LANDLORDS

New smoke detector regulatory requirements come into force as from Friday, 1 July 2016 as part of the changes to the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) aiming to reduce fire-related injuries and deaths in rental accommodation.  Here are the main points that you need to know as a landlord:

• There must be a minimum of ONE working smoke alarm within 3 metres of each bedroom door, and in a sleep out, self-contained caravan, or similar, there must be a minimum of ONE working smoke alarm.
• The landlord is responsible for making sure the smoke alarms are in working order at the beginning of every new tenancy.
• The tenant is responsible for replacing batteries (if required) during their tenancy. 
• In multi-story units there must be ONE smoke alarm on each level within the household unit.
• Where there are NO EXISTING smoke alarms, long life photoelectric smoke alarms are now required (from 1/7/16).
• When existing smoke alarms are replaced, they must be replaced with long life photoelectric smoke alarms (from 1/7/16).
• Hard wired smoke alarms are also acceptable.
• All smoke alarms must be replaced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommended replacement date stated on the alarm.
• All new and replacement smoke alarms in rental properties are to be installed in accordance with placement requirements provided in the manufacturer's instructions.   Click here to view illustrations from New Zealand Standard 4514 provide a simple guide on where to place alarms. You can also find helpful information on the NZ Fire Service’s website.
• When smoke alarms are installed or replaced, landlords need to ensure the alarms purchased comply with the manufacturing standard:  Australian Standard AS3786:1993; or equivalent international standard: UL217 (USA), ULCS531 (Canada), BS5446: Part 1 (United Kingdom), BS EN 14604 (United Kingdom) or ISO12239 (International). (This should be displayed prominently on the packaging.)

Note:  It is an unlawful act for tenants to cause or permit any interference with, or to render inoperative, any means of escape from fire - which includes smoke alarms.  The maximum fine for this offence is $3,000.

These regulations don't override any additional compliance requirements for smoke alarms in other legislation, e.g. multi-unit residential complexes, student accommodation, or boarding houses.

Click here to view the full information on the MBEI website.


We have secured another small supply of long life photoelectric smoke alarms through the New Zealand Property Investors Federation.

SPECIAL OFFER FOR COOMBE SMITH CLIENTS ONLY

ST-620 Thermoptek Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms save lives.

Here is an exciting opportunity to be proactive, look after your tenants and save money at the same time.  As these smoke alarms have a 10 year life span, the savings are ongoing.

Thermoptek is a photoelectric type that also includes thermal enhancement, providing fast reaction to both slow smouldering and fast flaming fires in a single alarm. It has a large central reset button that makes it easy to reset.  They are recommended by the NZ Fire Service and the NZ Property Investors Federation. 


 
For information about installing the fire alarms, click here. 

 

The special price for Coombe Smith clients is $27 per unit (Cash or Eftpos) or $27.75 if purchased by Credit Card.  (Pick up required.)
These alarms retail elsewhere for $44.95! 
 
We have limited supplies, so you will need to be in quick!

Phone us on (07) 839 2801 and ask for Mareese or email Mareese.


Kind regards
Ross Barnett