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Smoke Alarms: How To Handle House Fires

Baycoasteacs • January 31, 2022

A house fire can destroy a home in less than 10 minutes, and inhaling the smoke may cost your life. To prevent a house fire from occurring, we install smoke alarms in our homes. Smoke alarms are legally required in every Australian home. By fitting smoke alarms designed for Australia’s unpredictable environmental conditions, you can feel safe knowing your home is protected.


Under Clause 146A of the  Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979  and Division 7A of Part 9 of the  Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 , at least one working smoke alarm must be installed on each level in all buildings in NSW where people sleep.


In addition, the smoke alarms must comply with  Australian Standard AS 3786. These provisions came into effect on 1 May 2006. A person who does not comply with the legislation is guilty of an offence that carries a maximum penalty of $550.

Rented Premises Need Smoke Alarms

If you live on rented premises, you must allow the landlord access to install or have installed a smoke alarm. You have the right to at least two days notice of intention to come and install. Once the alarm is in, if it is hardwired, the landlord is responsible for replacing the backup batteries.



If the notice is battery operated, the tenant bears the responsibility to replace the batteries. However, if you are physically unable to replace the battery, you must notify your landlord.


No matter the type of home you have, the law states that you must have a smoke alarm installed on each level—houses, mobile homes, granny flats, rentals, owner-occupied as well as campervans and caravans.

A Firefighter Stands in Front of A Burning Building at Night — Bay Coast Electrical & Control Solutions in Maloneys Beach, NSW

Changes for Landlords & Property Managers

New changes to the law deem that landlords and property managers have further responsibilities regarding installing and maintaining smoke alarms. 


  1. A certified team must check smoke alarms annually
  2. They must be not older than ten years
  3. They must replace batteries annually
  4. They must repair broken smoke alarms within two working days of being advised.
  5. If a tenant reports a broken smoke alarm, and you don’t repair it within two business days, they are entitled to organise their repairs. More info here.

Are Your Smoke Alarms Compliant? How Long Since Your Smoke Alarms Have Been Checked?

Baycoast Electrical and Control Solutions are committed to providing the highest quality smoke alarms designed to provide the most reliable fire detection in your home. Our team also installs interconnected smoke alarms inside your homes, so you’re alerted even when you’re not near the smoke. In addition, we provide smoke alarm certificates and annual inspections for your peace of mind and insurance.

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