Smoke Alarm Requirements in Victoria: What Homeowners & Landlords Need to Know
Smoke alarms save lives. According to Fire Rescue Victoria, you're three times more likely to die in a house fire if you don't have a working smoke alarm. Yet many Victorian homes still don't meet current requirements.
At Power Amp Electrical, we install and service smoke alarm systems across Western Melbourne and Geelong. Here's your complete guide to Victorian smoke alarm laws and how to ensure your home is compliant.
Victorian Smoke Alarm Requirements at a Glance
| Property Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| All homes | At least one working smoke alarm |
| Homes with bedrooms | Smoke alarms in hallways leading to bedrooms |
| Multi-storey homes | At least one smoke alarm on each level |
| New builds (post-August 1997) | Hardwired, interconnected alarms |
| Rental properties | Compliant alarms, tested before each tenancy |
Requirements for Owner-Occupied Homes
For owner-occupied homes in Victoria, you must have:
Minimum Requirements
- At least one working smoke alarm on each level
- Smoke alarms installed in hallways connected to bedrooms, or inside bedrooms if no hallway exists
- If there are no bedrooms, alarms must be in the most likely path of travel to exit the home
Recommended (Best Practice)
- Smoke alarms in every bedroom
- Smoke alarms in living areas
- Interconnected alarms (when one sounds, they all sound)
- Hardwired alarms with battery backup
While owner-occupiers aren't legally required to have interconnected or hardwired alarms (unless the home was built after August 1997), we strongly recommend upgrading for maximum protection.
Requirements for Rental Properties
Landlords have stricter obligations. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1997, rental properties must have:
Landlord Responsibilities
-
Working smoke alarms installed:
- On each level of the property
- In hallways connected to bedrooms (or bedrooms if no hallway)
-
Testing before each new tenancy:
- Alarms must be tested and confirmed working
- Records should be kept
-
Maintenance and replacement:
- Replace alarms every 10 years (or as per manufacturer)
- Replace batteries as needed
- Repair or replace faulty alarms promptly
Tenant Responsibilities
- Test alarms monthly (press the test button)
- Replace batteries if they start chirping (or notify landlord)
- Report any faults to the landlord/agent
- Don't disable alarms (it's an offence)
Important: Landlords cannot pass the cost of smoke alarm compliance onto tenants. It's a landlord expense.
Types of Smoke Alarms
Ionisation Alarms
- Best for detecting fast-flaming fires (paper, flammable liquids)
- Can be triggered by cooking smoke (nuisance alarms)
- Generally cheaper
Photoelectric Alarms
- Best for detecting smouldering fires (furniture, electrical)
- Fewer nuisance alarms from cooking
- Recommended by Fire Rescue Victoria
Dual-Sensor Alarms
- Combine both technologies
- Best all-round protection
- Slightly more expensive but worth it
Our recommendation: Photoelectric or dual-sensor alarms. Smouldering fires are more common in homes and give you more time to escape.
Power Source Options
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 9V battery | Easy to install, no electrician needed | Batteries need replacing, can be forgotten |
| 10-year lithium battery | Long life, no maintenance | Whole unit replaced after 10 years |
| Hardwired + battery backup | Most reliable, interconnectable | Requires electrician, higher initial cost |
Interconnected Smoke Alarms: Why They Matter
Interconnected alarms are linked together—when one detects smoke, they ALL sound. This is critical because:
- You might be asleep at the far end of the house
- Doors may be closed, muffling distant alarms
- Every second counts in a fire
You can interconnect smoke alarms via:
- Hardwiring: Permanently connected through electrical cables
- Wireless: Radio-linked alarms (good for retrofitting)
For new builds (post-August 1997) and renovations, interconnected hardwired alarms are required by the Building Code of Australia.
Where to Install Smoke Alarms
Required Locations
- Each storey/level of the home
- Hallways that lead to bedrooms
- Inside bedrooms if no connected hallway
Recommended Additional Locations
- Inside each bedroom
- Living rooms
- At the top of staircases
- Near home offices
Where NOT to Install
- ❌ Kitchens (too many false alarms)
- ❌ Bathrooms (steam triggers alarms)
- ❌ Garages (exhaust fumes)
- ❌ Near air vents or fans
- ❌ Within 30cm of corners
- ❌ On surfaces that get very hot or cold
For kitchens and bathrooms, install alarms nearby but outside these spaces.
Smoke Alarm Maintenance
Monthly
- Press the test button on each alarm
- Ensure it sounds loudly (replace if weak or silent)
Every 6 Months
- Vacuum around the alarm to remove dust and insects
- Check the expiry date (usually printed on the alarm)
Annually
- Replace batteries in battery-powered alarms
- For hardwired alarms, check backup battery
Every 10 Years
- Replace the entire alarm unit (they become less sensitive over time)
- Note: Some 10-year lithium units are designed for one-time use
Common Questions
Can I install smoke alarms myself?
Battery-powered alarms: Yes, you can install these yourself.
Hardwired alarms: No. In Victoria, all hardwired smoke alarm installation must be performed by a licensed electrician.
What if my alarm keeps going off when cooking?
- Move the alarm further from the kitchen
- Upgrade to a photoelectric alarm (less sensitive to cooking)
- Install a hush button model
- Improve kitchen ventilation
- Never remove or disable the alarm
Do I need smoke alarms in a townhouse or apartment?
Yes. The same rules apply. For apartments, building management may be responsible for common areas, but internal alarms are typically the owner's responsibility.
What's the fine for not having smoke alarms?
In Victoria, landlords can face penalties for failing to comply with smoke alarm requirements. Beyond fines, landlords may be liable if a tenant is harmed due to non-compliance.
My alarm chirps occasionally. What does it mean?
A chirping alarm usually indicates low battery. Replace the battery immediately. If it continues chirping with a new battery, the alarm itself may be faulty or expired.
Our Smoke Alarm Installation Service
Power Amp Electrical provides complete smoke alarm services across Western Melbourne and Geelong:
What We Offer
- Supply and installation of quality photoelectric alarms
- Hardwired interconnected systems for maximum protection
- Wireless interconnected systems for retrofit installations
- Compliance certificates for landlords and property managers
- Maintenance and testing services
- Replacement of expired alarms
Installation Packages
| Package | What's Included | Price Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Basic compliance | Hardwired alarms in required locations | From $350 |
| Full home protection | Hardwired alarms in all bedrooms + living areas | From $550 |
| Premium interconnected | Hardwired + wireless extension throughout home | From $750 |
Prices vary based on home size and existing wiring
Landlord Compliance Packages
We offer specific packages for landlords and property managers:
- Pre-tenancy testing and certification
- Annual maintenance contracts
- Same-day callouts for faulty alarms
- Bulk pricing for portfolio owners
Learn more about our landlord compliance packages.
Flexible Payment Options
Need multiple alarms or a full upgrade? Power Amp Electrical offers interest-free finance through Brighte for eligible customers.
- 0% interest payment plans
- Quick online approval
- Spread the cost over 6-60 months
Get Your Home Protected
Don't wait until it's too late. Smoke alarms are one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family.
Our smoke alarm service includes:
- Free phone consultation
- Expert advice on alarm placement
- Professional installation
- Testing and demonstration
- Compliance certificates (for landlords)
- 10-year alarm warranty
Book your smoke alarm installation:
📞 Call Josh on 0473 344 634
Power Amp Electrical is a licensed electrical contractor (REC-34500) serving Western Melbourne and Geelong. All installations comply with AS 3786 and include Certificates of Electrical Safety where applicable.
