Community & Business
27 May, 2021
Landlords encouraged to update fire alarms ahead of looming legislation
A LOCAL station fire officer has issued a timely reminder to landlords to update their fire alarms ahead of legislation that could prevent them from renting residential properties to tenants if they fail to comply with next year’s January deadline.
A LOCAL station fire officer has issued a timely reminder to landlords to update their fire alarms ahead of legislation that could prevent them from renting residential properties to tenants if they fail to comply with next year’s January deadline.
Under the legislation Fire and Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said from January 1 next year rental properties would be required to have interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, in hallways and on every level.
If property owners fail to meet that deadline they face the real risk of being legally unable to rent their property, whether it’s a unit or house, until they fulfil the required obligations.
“The law applies when new leases are commenced or an existing lease is extended, but we urge all property owners to transition to the new safer alarms as soon as possible,” the Minister said.
“It’s simple - smoke alarms save lives and interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms are the safest option available.
“This is about landlords putting the safety of their tenants first while also protecting their property and rental income.”
Atherton Station officer Jason Ryan said landlords need to start planning the updates.
“I have been speaking with the Main Street Real Estate manager (Daimin Kochi) (in Atherton) following concerns he has been getting from local electricians,” Mr Ryan advised.
“They fear when (the) next change in legislation takes effect they will be inundated with landlords looking to get their residential properties compliant so that they are able to be leased.
“I recommend owners and landlords look to act now to have upgrades done prior to January 1 to avoid delays in availability of both electricians for hard wired smoke alarms or stock for 10-year lithium wireless alarms.”
