Smoke alarms must be installed:
- within 3 meters of each bedroom door, or in every room where a person sleeps
- in each level or story of a multi-story or multi-level home
- in all rental homes, boarding houses, rental caravans, and self-contained sleep-outs.
All new smoke alarms must:
- be photoelectric
- have a battery life of at least eight years, or be hard-wired
- installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions
- meet international standards.
Existing smoke alarms do not need to be replaced if they are working, or have not passed the manufacturer’s expiry date.
Landlords must ensure smoke alarms:
- are in working order
- are working at the start of each new tenancy
Tenants must:
- not damage, remove, or disconnect a smoke alarm
- replace dead batteries during the tenancy if there are older-style smoke alarms with replaceable batteries
- let the landlord know if there are any problems with the smoke alarms as soon as possible.
Landlords have the right to enter a rental home to comply with smoke alarm requirements after 24 hours’ notice between the hours of 8 am and 7 pm. Landlords and tenants could be fined up to $4,000 for not meeting their obligations.
For further information, visit Tenancy Services website: www.tenancy.govt.nz
