Legislation – Northern Territory

NT Smoke Alarm Legislation Simplified Guide

Smoke alarms must comply with the Australian Standard AS3786.
It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure smoke alarms that comply with the legislation are installed and maintained.
Smoke alarms must be hard-wired to the mains power supply or powered by a 10-year non-removable battery.
Smoke alarms must be photoelectric – any that are ionisation must be replaced prior to any tenancy agreement being entered into.
Within 30 days before the start of a tenancy agreement, the owner of the premises must:
- Test each smoke alarm and replace any that are found to be faulty.
- Replace all smoke alarms that have expired.
- Replace any ionisation smoke alarms with photoelectric smoke alarms.
- Test batteries and replace any that are flat or almost flat.
- Clean each smoke alarm in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- Give the tenant written information about how to test and maintain the smoke alarms.
Property managers and principals have obligations to ensure smoke alarms are both installed and property maintained on behalf of their owners unless requested otherwise by the owner.