The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 state that the Residential Rental Provider (Landlord) must ensure that:

• Each smoke alarm is correctly installed and in working condition;
• Each smoke alarm is tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions at least once every 12 months;
• The batteries in each smoke alarm are replaced as required

However, the Regulations also state that the Renter (Tenant) must give written notice to the Residential Rental Provider as soon as practicable after becoming aware that a smoke alarm in the rented premises is not in working order.

A Residential Rental Provider (Landlord) may engage a Rental Provider (Property Manager) to manage the property on their behalf and arrange such services on their behalf.

A Residential Rental Provider (landlord) is obliged to ensure their premises comply with relevant building codes and regulations, including the correct installation and maintenance of smoke alarms.

The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) recommend that the smoke alarms in rental properties be regularly maintained by a contractor. Therefore, relieving the Residential Rental Provider of liability and potential risks. Contractors, such as Smarthouse, are insured for both public liability and professional indemnity.

By law, all Victorian residential properties, as a minimum, must have smoke alarms on each level. This includes all houses, units, flats, apartments and townhouses. Smoke alarms must meet Australian standard AS 3786.

The number of smoke alarms required will vary depending on each property’s floor plan (i.e. number of bedrooms, study, stairwells and out buildings) and the number of levels.

Periodic maintenance of smoke alarms is needed to ensure correct operation for the purpose of smoke detection and to ensure the alarms operate as intended by the manufacturer. Dust, small bugs etc. can render smoke alarms much less effective in detecting smoke.

Additionally, smoke alarms have expiry dates indicating when they need to be replaced (at most, every 10 years but earlier in some instances)

Visit our smoke alarm safety checks page for a full outline of our checks.

The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, state that each smoke alarm is tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions at least once every 12 months.

Yes. 240 Volt smoke alarms contain back-up batteries that must be replaced, and they must be cleaned and tested in the same manner as 9 Volt battery operated alarms. 240 Volt smoke alarms also have expiry dates after which they must be replaced.

Smarthouse Australia Technicians use photoelectric smoke alarms. These alarms are standard for most residential applications.

The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 define an electrical safety check as a check of all electrical installations, fixtures and fittings carried out in accordance with section 4 of AS/NZS 3019.

Our Electrical Safety Checks page provides a summary.

Effective from 29 March 2021, electrical safety checks need to be completed every 2 years by a licensed or registered electrician.

The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 state that the Residential Rental Provider (Landlord) must ensure that:

• An electrical safety check of all electrical installations, appliances and fittings provided by a residential rental provider in the rented premises is conducted every 2 years by a licensed or registered electrician; and
• must provide the renter with the date of the most recent safety check, in writing, on request by the renter.

An electrical safety check, by law, must only be carried out by a licensed or registered electrician.

An electrical safety check, by law, includes the testing of all electrical installations, fixtures and fittings. This includes power points, light switches, switchboards and landlord owned electrical appliances.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas formed by the incomplete combustion of fuels. It cannot be detected by our senses.

When we are exposed to CO gas, the CO molecules displace the oxygen in our bodies and lead to poisoning. Symptoms of poisoning are non-specific, often mistaken for a cold/ flu or even food poisoning. Other symptoms may include headaches, nausea and vomiting, flushing, muscle pain, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, coordination difficulties, confusion, or chest pain if inhaled

Any gas appliance can emit carbon monoxide.

Gas heaters are of particular concern and therefore should not be left running continuously overnight. Likewise, portable outdoor gas appliances should never be used indoors.

For further information we recommend visiting Energy Safe Victoria

The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 state that the Residential Rental Provider (Landlord) must ensure that a gas safety check of all gas installations and fittings in the rented premises is conducted every 2 years by a licensed or registered gasfitter.

In addition, the Residential Rental Provider (Landlord) must provide the renter with the date of the most recent safety check, in writing, on request by the renter.

A Residential Rental Provider (Landlord) may engage a Rental Provider (Property Manager) to manage the property on their behalf and arrange such services.

Gas safety checks, by law, must be completed by a licensed or registered gasfitter.

That is a plumber who is endorsed in the specialised class of Type A gas servicing work (Gas Serving Type A on the Plumbers Identity Card).

Effective from 29 March 2021, gas safety checks are now mandatory throughout Victoria and must be conducted every 2 years by a licensed or registered gasfitter.

The Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021, provide an extensive definition of the gas safety checks required. However, Smarthouse Australia have summarise these checks on the Gas Safety Checks page.

Safety Checks and tests must be carried out in accordance with Australian Standards AS/NZ 5601 and AS 4575.

A gas safety check is only applicable to a rented premises that contains any appliances, fixtures or fittings which use or supply gas.

Appointment times are flexible. Smarthouse field staff are available from 7am – 6pm, Monday – Friday. Saturdays may be arranged by appointment only. Our friendly scheduling team would be happy to arrange an appointment time to suit.

Smoke alarm safety checks are usually completed within 15 minutes.

Electrical safety checks are generally conducted within 1-2 hours.

Depending on the number of gas appliances within the rented premises, gas safety checks generally take 1-3 hours to complete.

We understand your time is valuable. Therefore, our team are flexible with appointment times.

Our friendly staff will provide any guidance or tips when booking your appointment.

These often vary based on your property type and checks being performed.

Please note all Smarthouse field staff are police checked, wear full Smarthouse uniforms, carry ID badges, drive Smarthouse branded cars and abide by Covid safe principles.