17Testing of smoke alarms by tenants

17 Testing of smoke alarms by tenants

(1)  This regulation applies only to smoke alarms that comply with AS 3786 – Smoke Alarms Using Scattered Light, Transmitted Light or Ionization.

(2)  For the purposes of section 36D(2) of the Act, a tenant of tenanted premises must ensure that every 6 months during the relevant period, all smoke alarms on those premises are tested, in accordance with subregulation (3) , to determine whether the alarms function effectively.

(3)  The following matters are required to be checked or tested:

(a) the smoke alarm is clean and free from dust or debris that may prevent air from entering it;

(b) the smoke alarm tests effectively and sounds a warning.

(4)  For the purposes of section 36D(2) of the Act, a tenant must notify the owner, or the agent of the owner, of tenanted premise as soon as practicable after the tenant becomes aware that a smoke alarm on those premises is not functioning effectively.