Mandatory Compliance by 1 January 2027:
- All dwellings must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
Smoke Alarm Specifications:
- Must be photoelectric and comply with AS 3786–2014.
- Must not contain ionisation sensors.
- Must be less than 10 years old.
- Must operate when tested.
- Must be interconnected (wired or wireless) so all alarms activate simultaneously.
Installation Locations:
- In each bedroom.
- In hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling.
- If no hallway, between bedrooms and other parts of the storey.
- On each storey without bedrooms, at least one alarm in the most likely path to exit.
Power Supply Requirements:
- Hardwired to mains power with a backup battery.
- Or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
- Existing hardwired alarms must be replaced with hardwired photoelectric alarms.
Specific Deadlines:
- From 1 January 2017: Applies to new or substantially renovated dwellings.
- From 1 January 2022: Applies to dwellings being sold or leased.
- From 1 January 2027: Applies to all other dwellings.
Maintenance Responsibilities:
- Landlords must test and clean smoke alarms within 30 days before a tenancy starts or is renewed.
- Tenants must test and clean alarms at least once every 12 months.
- Non-functioning alarms must be replaced immediately.
Installation Guidelines:
- Install on ceilings where practicable.
- Avoid placement within 300mm of corners or light fittings, and within 400mm of air-conditioning vents or ceiling fan blades.