Victoria (VIC)
Rental properties must have working smoke alarms installed and maintained in line with regulations and AS3786. Smoke alarms must be operational at the start of each tenancy and throughout the rental period. Annual smoke alarm safety checks are mandatory for Victorian rental properties from 25 November 2025.

New South Wales (NSW)
Landlords must ensure at least one working smoke alarm is installed on each storey of a rented home, typically in a hallway outside a bedroom (or another suitable location). Smoke alarms must be working and must not be removed or disabled.

Queensland (QLD)
Queensland requires photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways outside bedrooms, and on every level. They must be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery. Requirements are being phased in, with all existing homes needing to meet the standard by 1 January 2027.

Western Australia (WA)
Smoke alarms are required for homes being sold, rented or hired, with requirements set under WA building laws and referenced Australian Standards. WA guidance also notes that updated Australian Standards apply to new smoke alarms installed in properties subject to sale/lease/hire and to replacement alarms, without requiring all existing compliant alarms to be replaced.

South Australia (SA)
All South Australian homes must have a working smoke alarm. Homeowners and residential landlords are responsible for ensuring smoke alarms are installed correctly and working; requirements can vary depending on the age of the home and when it was purchased or built.

Tasmania (TAS)
In rental premises, the owner must ensure smoke alarms are either permanently connected to mains power or powered by a 10-year non-replaceable battery (replaceable-battery alarms do not comply). Mains-powered alarms must also have a backup power supply.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
All rental properties must have smoke alarms compliant with AS3786. The ACT Residential Tenancies framework defines responsibilities for owners and tenants regarding smoke alarms in leased properties.

Northern Territory (NT)
Approved smoke alarms must be installed in all residential premises. Tenants are required to test smoke alarms at least annually and notify the owner/agent if an alarm does not work; property managers may act on behalf of owners for maintenance and replacement.

Smoke alarm regulations apply to all residential rental properties, including houses, villas, flats and apartments, boarding houses, guest houses and hostels, sole occupancy units, community housing, and dwellings within non-residential buildings such as shops.

The legal responsibility sits with the Residential Rental Provider (landlord). Landlords must ensure smoke alarms are correctly installed, functional, and maintained. Victorian law requires smoke alarms to be checked annually, with batteries replaced and units upgraded where required.

A Taskforce smoke alarm safety check includes:

- Testing alarms and sound levels
- Replacing faulty or expired smoke alarms
- Battery replacement
- Checking alarm placement and positioning
- Installing additional alarms where required
- Verifying expiry dates and compliance status

These checks ensure your property meets current legislation and insurance requirements.

Smoke alarm check requirements differ by state and territory, however rental providers are generally required to ensure smoke alarms are tested at the start of each tenancy and checked regularly — typically on an annual basis — to remain compliant. Regular inspections help confirm alarms are working correctly and reduce risk throughout the tenancy.

Taskforce has been delivering smoke alarm safety checks for rental properties since 2014. We focus on reliability, affordability, and minimal disruption to tenants. Where possible, smoke alarm inspections are combined with gas and electrical safety checks in a single visit, saving time and reducing administrative burden.

Pricing depends on how services are delivered. Taskforce offers flexible options, including bundled safety checks and pay-as-you-go services. This allows rental providers and property managers to choose the most cost-effective approach for their portfolio.