Professionals Wanneroo RCDs
Lessors must have two RCDs installed on the switchboard at their rental premises before it can be leased. Energy Safety has more detailed information about RCDs.
Smoke Alarms
In the case of a fire, toxic smoke, rather than heat and flames, is the most immediate threat to life.
As many fires occur at night, when people are asleep, the smoke can lull people into a deeper sleep from which they often don’t wake.
From 1 July 1997, the installation of mains powered smoke alarms became mandatory for all new residential buildings (or residential building extensions) within Western Australia. Since 1 October 2009, mains powered smoke alarms are required to be fitted in all existing residential buildings prior to sale and before a new tenancy agreement is signed. These requirements are now prescribed in the Building Regulations 2012.
Local Government agencies are responsible for investigating and enforcing the mandatory requirement to fit and maintain smoke alarms under the Building Regulations 2012, so non-compliance can be directed to the local council. .
A $750 infringement notice could be issued for any premise without a smoke alarm, while the seller or landlord could face a fine of up to $5000.
Landlords
It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure the smoke alarms fitted are:
- no more than 10 years old;
- in working order; and
- permanently connected to consumer mains power.
The Building Regulations permit installation of battery powered smoke alarms in limited circumstances. In those circumstances local government approval is required unless:
- there is no hidden space in which to run the necessary electrical wiring and there are no appropriate alternative locations for the smoke alarm; or
- the building is not connected to consumer mains power.
Battery operated smoke alarms must have a 10 year life, non-removable battery.
Tenants
For rental properties, tenants are likely to be responsible for keeping smoke alarms in working order to the extent practical eg changing the battery if reasonably accessible and testing the smoke alarm so they are aware of the alert. All smoke alarms have a test button that, when pressed, indicate whether the alarm is working or not.
The overall responsibility for ensuring these are working smoke alarms as required by the Building Regulations 2012 is the lessor’s.
