Smoke Alarms now Mandatory in all NSW Homes
(Building Legislation Amendment to Smoke Alarms Act 2005)
On 1 May 2006 it became compulsory for all existing homes and other buildings where people sleep to be fitted with either a battery operated or hard wired smoke alarm.
IIt is a condition in schedule 2 of the above act that with every residential agreement the landlord is required to ensure smoke alarms are installed. It is the responsibility in the case of rented dwellings that maintenance of the smoke detectors rests with the tenants.
It also specifies that no persons are to remove, interfere with, the operation of the smoke alarm installed in residential dwellings.
A person who does not comply with this legislation is guilty of an offence and faces a maximum penalty of $550.
IIt is recommended by the NSW fire brigade that where possible you purchase a smoke alarm that has been tested and stamped as approved or accredited to AS3786 or is SSL listed.