Licensed & Insured
REC 11275 · Victoria
A-Grade Electricians
All staff fully licensed
WWCC & Police Cleared
Suitable for schools and care facilities
Available 7 Days
24 hour emergency response
Landlord Obligations in Victoria
Under Victorian law, rental providers must ensure all smoke alarms in a rental property are correctly installed and in working condition, are fitted with batteries or replacement batteries, and are tested at least once every 12 months in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
On or before the start of each rental agreement, the rental provider must give the renter written information covering how each smoke alarm operates, how to test each alarm, and the renter's obligation not to tamper with alarms and to report any alarm that is not in working order.
These obligations apply regardless of whether a property manager is engaged. We work directly with landlords and property managers to make compliance straightforward.
Photoelectric Requirement
Changes to Victorian regulations have progressively phased in the requirement for photoelectric smoke alarms in rental properties. Ionisation-type alarms are no longer acceptable in new installations and must be replaced when existing alarms reach end of life or are triggered for replacement under the compliance schedule.
Photoelectric alarms detect smouldering fires more effectively than ionisation types. If your rental property still has ionisation alarms, we advise on your current obligations and can schedule replacement.
What the Testing Process Involves
We attend the property, test each alarm using an approved aerosol agent, check battery condition (for battery-operated alarms), verify interconnection where alarms are linked, and check that each alarm is positioned correctly relative to bedrooms and hallways.
Where an alarm fails the test, is past its replacement date (10 years from manufacture), or is not a compliant type, we advise and can replace on the spot where stock permits. We issue a written report on completion.
Hardwired vs Battery Alarms
Hardwired alarms are wired into the mains supply and have a battery backup. They are generally more reliable over time and are required in new builds and major renovations. Battery-operated alarms with a 10-year sealed lithium battery are acceptable in many existing installations. We can advise which applies to your property.
Frequently Asked
Under Victorian law, rental providers must test smoke alarms at least once every 12 months in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Testing is also required before the start of each new rental agreement, along with providing the renter written information on how the alarms operate and their obligations regarding them.
A photoelectric alarm uses a light beam to detect particles from a smouldering fire. It responds faster to slow-burning fires than ionisation-type alarms. Victorian regulations require photoelectric alarms in rental properties.
Most smoke alarms have a manufacturer-rated service life of 10 years from the date of manufacture, not the date of installation. The date is usually printed on the back of the unit. Alarms past this date should be replaced.
Pressing the test button confirms the alarm circuit works but does not test the sensing chamber. A proper compliance test uses an aerosol agent to confirm the alarm responds to simulated smoke.
Yes. We work with a number of property managers and real estate agencies across Melbourne's eastern and south-eastern suburbs. We can provide reporting in a format suitable for your records and arrange access directly with tenants where required.
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Licensed work across Melbourne. No obligation quote.