Hey landlords! Want to avoid a $7,200 fine AND keep your tenants safe? Make sure your rental has working smoke alarms! Fires are no joke—between 2009 and 2015, 34 people died in rental property fires in New Zealand, and half of those homes didn’t have a working smoke alarm. But guess what? Smoke alarms can cut fire-related deaths by 50%!
2016 Rules – No Ifs, Ands, or Buts!
Since July 1, 2016, all rental properties MUST have compliant smoke alarms. If you ignore this, you might end up paying a hefty fine under the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA).
Where to Put ‘Em? 📍
Every rental needs smoke alarms:
✅ Within 3 meters of every bedroom door (or inside sleeping areas).
✅ On every floor of multi-level homes.
✅ In rental homes, boarding houses, rental caravans, and sleep-outs.
What Kind of Smoke Alarms? 🧐
New alarms installed after July 1, 2016, must:
🔥 Be photoelectric (not ionization).
🔋 Have a minimum 8-year battery life (or be hardwired).
📜 Be installed correctly (follow manufacturer instructions).
🌎 Meet international safety standards.
Who's Responsible for What?
👨💼 Landlords:
✔ Install and maintain smoke alarms.
✔ Make sure they work before a new tenant moves in.
👨💻 Tenants:
✔ DON’T remove or disable smoke alarms.
✔ Replace dead batteries (unless it’s a long-life alarm).
✔ Report faulty alarms ASAP.
❌ Tampering with alarms? That’s a $4,000 fine!
Inspections & Access 🚪
Landlords must give 24 hours’ notice before checking alarms. Tenants can’t refuse access without a valid reason—if they do, they could be fined up to $1,500!
Pro Tips for Landlords
✔ Add a Smoke Alarm Clause to the tenancy agreement.
✔ Keep records of alarm installation, expiry dates, and maintenance.
Stay safe, follow the rules, and let your smoke alarms do their job—saving lives! 🚒🔥
