Time to check smoke alarms
WITH the cooler weather now upon us, it is the time to think about smoke alarms, the protection of your property and the safety of tenants.
Both tenants and landlords have responsibilities for smoke alarms in investment properties.
Tenants are required to clean, test and replace smoke alarm batteries during a tenancy.
For their own safety, tenants should advise their property manager when a smoke alarm fails or need replacing.
Landlords are required to install smoke alarms, clean and test smoke alarms and replace batteries before the start or renewal of a tenancy.
A landlord cannot pass their obligations to the tenant such as asking them to replace the alarms during the tenancy.
Tony Franke from Ray White Toowoomba Range and Highfields highlights how important it is to have working smoke alarms in a property.
"With heaters, electric blankets and other warming appliances working overtime during winter, the risk of fire at a property greatly increases," Mr Franke said.
"It's extremely important to ensure all smoke alarms are in working order, and we recommend the engagement of a professional smoke alarm specialist to test the alarms, particularly where tenants are unable to carry out their obligations."
Penalties apply for both tenants and landlords if their responsibilities towards smoke alarms are not met.
