Does anybody know what responibilities a landlord has regarding the upkeep of smoke alarms.
I recieved a letter from my property manager stating that 'it is MY legal requirement to ensure that my smoke alarms are tested on a regular basis ' and of course they are offering the services of a company to do it for me at a cost of over $80.
At the start of every tenancy I ensure the smoke alarms have a fresh battery and are tested by myself. Is it expected that the tenant replace the batteries every 6 months or is it considered a regular maintenance item that I incur ?
I spoke to Consumer Affairs on the matter , and they said it was a grey area as to the responsibility , but if I was to have it done it would be piece of mind and if there was a fire it would look better on my insurance claim . They described it as a maintenance item like the replacement of a light globe and that a tenant usually does it but if requested is my responsibility( but can I assume they have done it ?).
Is this just the PM protecting themselves at my cost ??
Should it be PM's responsibility to test during routine inspections ??
Can smoke alarm maintenance be made tenant's responsibility by putting it in the lease ??
Can I do it ??
Do I need an accredited person to do it ??
It's all about responsibility , Duty of Care and Liability..
Where does the landlord stand ????
I recieved a letter from my property manager stating that 'it is MY legal requirement to ensure that my smoke alarms are tested on a regular basis ' and of course they are offering the services of a company to do it for me at a cost of over $80.
At the start of every tenancy I ensure the smoke alarms have a fresh battery and are tested by myself. Is it expected that the tenant replace the batteries every 6 months or is it considered a regular maintenance item that I incur ?
I spoke to Consumer Affairs on the matter , and they said it was a grey area as to the responsibility , but if I was to have it done it would be piece of mind and if there was a fire it would look better on my insurance claim . They described it as a maintenance item like the replacement of a light globe and that a tenant usually does it but if requested is my responsibility( but can I assume they have done it ?).
Is this just the PM protecting themselves at my cost ??
Should it be PM's responsibility to test during routine inspections ??
Can smoke alarm maintenance be made tenant's responsibility by putting it in the lease ??
Can I do it ??
Do I need an accredited person to do it ??
It's all about responsibility , Duty of Care and Liability..
Where does the landlord stand ????