It’s one of the most common questions we hear.
After all, Property Managers are already attending routine inspections. They’re in the home. They’re walking through every room. So why can’t they just press the test button on the smoke alarms while they’re there?
On the surface, it seems logical. But smoke alarm compliance is not just about checking whether an alarm makes a sound. It’s a regulated safety requirement, governed by strict legislation, licensing rules, and insurance obligations.
And that’s where the difference lies.
It’s Not Just “Pressing the Button”
A smoke alarm test during a routine inspection might confirm that it beeps. But compliance requires far more than that.
Modern smoke alarm legislation across Australia covers:
- The type of alarm installed
- The age and expiry date of the unit
- Whether it is photoelectric
- Interconnection requirements
- Correct placement and positioning
- Power source (battery vs hard-wired)
- Installation standards
A quick press of a button does not confirm compliance with legislation. It only confirms that the speaker works.
Many Smoke Alarms Are Hard-Wired
This is where it becomes even more important. Many smoke alarms are connected to the home’s electrical system. Servicing or replacing a hard-wired alarm legally requires a licensed electrician.
Property Managers are skilled professionals — but they are not licensed electricians.
Replacing, isolating, or servicing hard-wired alarms without the appropriate electrical licence exposes:
- The Property Manager
- The agency
- The landlord
to significant liability. Smoke alarm compliance crosses into electrical compliance. And that’s not something that should sit within general property management duties.
Compliance Is a Legal Obligation — Not a Maintenance Task
Smoke alarm legislation in Australia is strict and varies between states.
Landlords have legal obligations to ensure:
- Alarms are compliant at the start of every tenancy
- Alarms are tested and maintained appropriately
- Expired alarms are replaced
- Records are kept
If a property is found non-compliant after an incident, the consequences can be severe legally and financially. Using a specialist provider transfers that responsibility to experts who understand the legislation, stay across changes, and provide certified documentation.
It’s not about convenience. It’s about risk mitigation.
The 2 AM Factor
Here’s something many people don’t think about.
What happens when a smoke alarm starts chirping at 2 AM?
What happens when a tenant thinks it’s malfunctioning?
Or worse — what happens when someone attempts to remove it themselves?
When smoke alarm compliance is managed by a specialist provider like PCA, tenants call our 24/7 Emergency Hotline directly.
We:
- Confirm there is no fire risk
- Help them safely silence nuisance alarms
- Arrange attendance if required
- Prevent unnecessary property damage
This protects the tenant. It protects the asset. And it protects your Property Manager from after-hours calls.
Insurance Protection Matters
In the unfortunate event of a fire, insurers will ask a simple but critical question:
“Was the property compliant?”
PCA provides a photographic compliance report after every visit.
That documentation shows:
- The alarm type and condition
- Date of testing
- Installation compliance
- Legislative alignment
Without documented proof of compliance, insurance claims can become complicated.
For a small annual fee, you are not just paying for a test — you are paying for documented evidence that protects your landlord’s position.
It’s Not About Capability — It’s About Liability
Property Managers already carry enormous responsibility:
- Lease compliance
- Maintenance coordination
- Tenant relationships
- Arrears management
- Legislative updates
Adding electrical safety compliance and legal liability to that list increases risk significantly.
Smoke alarm compliance is one of those areas where specialist management:
- Reduces workload
- Reduces risk
- Improves tenant safety
- Protects landlords
- Provides documented assurance
All at once.
So Why Can’t the Property Manager Just Check the Smoke Alarms?
Because:
- Compliance involves more than a button test
- Many alarms require licensed electrical work
- Legislation is strict and state-specific
- Liability can be significant
- Insurance relies on documented proof
- After-hours emergencies need dedicated support
For a small annual investment, specialist smoke alarm compliance ensures:
- The property is legally covered
- The tenant is protected
- The landlord is protected
- The agency is protected
And your Property Managers can focus on what they do best.
Managing tenancies.
Not managing electrical compliance risk.
