Getting ready for the new RTA? Test smoke alarms now! - Melbourne Electrician Services Victoria

If you are a “rental provider” such as a landlord, real estate agent or caravan park manager, you will want to know about the changes that are coming up for the rental market. They were meant to be implemented by the 1st July 2020 but have been delayed due to COVID-19 and will now become effective on the 1st January 2021. So, there is still a bit of time, but it’s best to be aware and prepared, especially as we’re already half way through this year.

There are of course many new changes to the regulations, which are available for your information here, but in this blog we will particularly make you aware of the changes to smoke alarm regulations.

The proposed regulations say that every rental provider must ensure that any smoke alarm is correctly installed and in working condition is tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions at least once every 12 months. The batteries in each smoke alarm are to be replaced as required. The rental provider must immediately arrange for a smoke alarm to be repaired or replaced as an urgent repair if they are notified by the renter that it is not in working order.

On the day or before the renter moves in, the rental provider must provide the renter with the instructions for each smoke alarm, information about how to test each smoke alarm and about the renter’s obligations to not tamper with any smoke alarms and to report if a smoke alarm in the rented premises is not in working order.

The renter must give written notice to the rental provider as soon as practicable after becoming aware that a smoke alarm in the rented premises is not in working order.

So what does this mean for the “rental providers”? How can you prepare for these changes?

When the final amendments to the regulations are published, landlords and property managers will be organising works to comply with the 1 January deadline. This means it might get harder to make an appointment with a qualified technician before the deadline. Well-prepared property managers will organise and complete the safety checks and process set up well before the deadline looms. It’s best to be prepared than to get into trouble for non-compliance.

Here’s how Easton Electrical can help you:

We offer an introductory comprehensive smoke alarm test and report for only $88. This includes replacement of the first battery operated smoke alarm, each extra battery operated smoke alarm $27.50.
First battery replacement free, each extra battery $11.

Hard wired smoke alarms: comprehensive test and report only $88. Replacement of first hard wired smoke alarm only $55, each extra alarm $66 – including a Certificate of Compliance.

Did you know that smoke alarm manufacturers recommend replacement of ALL types of smoke alarms after 10 years? Make sure that you conform to all regulations including the 10 year expiry on your smoke alarms!

Just give us a call on (03) 9578 4999 or contact us here. Our qualified technicians will be happy to assist you with preparing for the new regulations.

More information about the upcoming residential tenancies regulations changes:

https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/changes-to-renting-laws/all-changes-in-place-from-july-2020

https://engage.vic.gov.au/rentingregulations