Every winter season there is a spate of fire tragedies in suburban homes and sadly, this year has been no different. On average there are around 1,100 fires each year, from which there are approximately 100 fire-related injuries resulting. It can take as little as three seconds for a fire to take hold. As real estate agents, it’s our job to ensure that our landlords are meeting their legal obligations when it comes to fire safety and minimising hazards.
Landlords are responsible for the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms as detailed in the terms of residential tenancy agreements in accordance with the standards of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW). As property managers, your real estate agent contractually takes over this obligation on your behalf. Here at Walkom Real Estate, we take fire safety very seriously because failure to do so can lead to tragedy, not to mention negligence claims and litigation.
Landlord or Property Management Responsibilities:
- Annual checks of all smoke alarms to ensure they are working.
- Replace removable batteries within the specified manufacturer’s time period.
- Replace or repair any smoke alarm that is not working within 2 days.
- Smoke alarms should be replaced every ten years or earlier if specified by the manufacturer.
- An electrician or a smoke alarm company, such as Detector Inspector can be engaged to assist with smoke alarm maintenance.
General Fire Safety Advice for Tenants & Householders:
- Never leave an electric, gas or woodfire heater unattended whilst in operation.
- Ensure that your heater is on a level surface and with a meter clearance of any flammable materials.
- Ensure there are no faulty cords or plugs.
- Plug directly into wall sockets – do not use a power board.
- Never use any kind of outdoor heating or cooking equipment indoors as they can lead to a build-up of lethal gases.
- Always use a fire screen in front of wood heaters.
- Store wood one meter away from fireplace and ensure matches or lighters are kept well away from children and the heat of the fireplace.
- Electric blankets should only be used to warm a bed prior to sleeping and should be turned off when going to sleep.
- Keep children and pets away from heating sources.
Fire Safety for Short Term Holiday Rentals:
- Clearly display an Emergency Advice Sheet for guests including evacuation information and where extinguishers and fire blankets can be found.
- Ensure an appropriate number of fire extinguishers are installed and properly tested regularly.
- Ensure there is a fire blanket in the kitchen and bbq area.
- Install the appropriate number of smoke alarms and test them regularly.
- Turn off all appliances when not in use and don’t overload power points.
- Ensure bbq and outdoor heating appliances are all in good working order.
More information
Whether it’s in your own home, in a property that you rent out or in a short-term holiday rental, following fire safety advice can save lives. For more information and to download fire safety check lists, check out the Fire + Rescue website.
Get Property Management Advice
For property management information and advice don’t hesitate to contact Susan Saetta, head of our property management department.