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Big, little understood, smoke alarm changes are coming.

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Big, little understood, smoke alarm changes are coming.

An overhaul of Queensland’s smoke alarm legislation started on 1 January 2017 and comes into full effect 1 January 2022 for rental properties when it will impact every one of the state’s estimated 550,000 rental properties.

If you are buying a new property built after January 1, 2017 it should be compliance.

If you have an existing property retrofitting compliance is not cheap to achieve with products on the market today. Suppliers are looking at 10 year Lithium batteries and WIFI networking to provide interconnecting smoke alarms.

You can expect a 4 bedroom single storey home to run you about $1,400.00.

The new legislation is initially  intended to ensure a higher level of safety in all rental properties. By 1 January 2022 all rental properties in Queensland and by 1 January 2027 all residential properties must:

  • Have smoke alarms installed in every bedroom;
  • Have smoke alarms powered by either 240 volt or 10 year lithium batteries; 
  • Have interconnected smoke alarms; 
  • Have photoelectric smoke alarms;
  • Ensure smoke alarms meet Australian Standard 3876:2014.

Agents and landlords who do not comply could face serious consequences, including hefty fines and possible jail time.

There will also be liability risks that we, as agents, and owners will have look at in the case of injury to people or property.

Queensland’s largest smoke alarm compliance provider has warned against waiting until the eleventh hour to adhere to upcoming legislation changes.

Smoke Alarm Solutions CEO Cameron Davis said it’s safer, smarter and cheaper to act now.

“I don’t want a repeat of the pink bats fiasco or the pool fence compliance debacle,” Mr Davis said. "There were tragic repercussions because everyone waited until the last moment."

“If I was a real estate agent or landlord I’d be acting now to ensure the properties under my care were compliant with the upcoming smoke alarm legislation changes. “You can’t put a price on peace of mind and safety.”

Mr Davis said it is vital agents and landlords source reputable smoke alarm compliance and maintenance operators so renters are fully protected and receive early warnings in the event of a house fire. 

Smoke Alarm Solutions is the largest provider of smoke alarm compliance and maintenance services to the Australian real estate industry.

If you would like more details on compliance requirements you can download it here.


by David Hamilton

Big, little understood, smoke alarm changes are coming.
palmbeachfn.com.au
First National Palm Beach
Corner of 6th Avenue & Cypress Terrace, Palm Beach, Queensland 4221
Phone: 07 5559 9600
 
 
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