Manager for Community Education and Behaviour Change at Fire and Emergency New Zealand, Tom Ronaldson, says smoke alarms expire after 10 years so this is a good time to for landlords to double-check their properties have working smoke alarms that are not expired.

“To check if your smoke alarm is expired remove it from the base plate and check the date of manufacture. If that is longer than 10 years, it will need to be replaced.”

Under the Residential Tenancies Act (the Act), smoke alarms must be installed within 3 metres of each bedroom door, or in every room where a person sleeps, and are required in each level or storey of a multi-storey or multi-level home.

Fire and Emergency recommend that landlords provide tenants with the best protection possible and install photoelectric alarms in every bedroom, living room, and hallway.

“In a housefire you have under 3 minutes before it becomes unsurvivable. Having working smoke alarms in every bedroom, living room and hallway ensures you and/or your tenants have the best possible chance to escape.”

The Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team (TCIT) within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) also engage with thousands of rental properties each year to check for compliance with the Act, including smoke alarm regulations.

TCIT National Manager, Brett Wilson, says smoke alarms save lives and it is important landlords and tenants are aware of their obligations to install and maintain smoke alarms.

“Landlords must ensure smoke alarms are working at the start of each new tenancy and remain in working order throughout the tenancy. Equally, tenants must replace expired batteries and let their landlord or property manager know if there are any problems with the smoke alarms as soon as possible,” Wilson said. 

“If landlords or tenants fail to comply with these regulations it could result in significant financial penalties.”