Renter Information – Smoke Alarms 

All homes in Victoria must have smoke alarms. Rental providers are responsible for installing and maintaining them, while renters should ensure they remain functional and report any issues to their rental provider. For further information please visit the Consumer Affairs Website

The rental provider must ensure smoke alarms:  

  • Are correctly installed and in working order

  • Are tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions at least once every 12 months

  • Have batteries replaced as required

  • Are repaired or replaced as an urgent repair

  

The renters must:  

  • Give written notice to the rental provider as soon as practicable after becoming aware that a smoke alarm in the rented premises is not in working order

  • Not deactivate or remove a smoke alarm or interfere with its operation in any way

  

Residential Tenancies Act 1997 

If you want to know what the law says about smoke alarms and fire safety, you can read these sections of the Residential Tenancies Act 1997: 

  • Section 3 – Definition of an urgent repair

  • Section 72 – Urgent repairs

  

Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021  

RESIDENTIAL TENANCIES REGULATIONS 2021 (SR NO 3 OF 2021) - SCHEDULE 3 

Smoke Alarm Manuals 

Download free PDFs of Australian smoke alarm models and their manuals.

Emerald 

EP-RANG-1 (9v)

EP-VC-240-1 (240v)

Red Smoke Alarms

R240 (240v)

R9 (9v)

Quell

Q301 Q301H (9v)

Q1300 (240v)

Additional Resources

Home Fire Safety | Fire Rescue Victoria 

High-Rise Fire Safety | Fire Rescue Victoria 

Smoke Alarms | Fire Rescue Victoria 

Installation and Maintenance | CFA (Country Fire Authority) 

FAQs

  • It is recommended that you test your smoke alarm once a month to ensure it is working correctly.

  • Please refer to the instruction guide for detailed information on testing your smoke alarm. If the alarm sounds, it is functioning properly. If no alarm sounds, the smoke alarm may have a defective battery or another issue that requires attention.

  • If your smoke alarm beeps once every 60 seconds or intermittently, it may indicate that the battery is low and needs to be replaced.

  • A functional smoke alarm serves as your first line of defence in a fire. Regular testing ensures the battery is not depleted and that the alarm will activate when needed most.