Who Is Responsible for Smoke Alarms in a NSW Rental Property?

Highlands Property | October 2026

In a NSW rental property, the landlord is responsible for making sure required smoke alarms are installed and working. That responsibility cannot simply be passed to the tenant through the tenancy agreement. Tenants also have responsibilities, particularly when it comes to reporting a smoke alarm that is not working.

Whether you're renting a cottage in Bowral, a townhouse in Moss Vale or a family home elsewhere in the Southern Highlands, the same NSW smoke alarm requirements apply.

What does a landlord need to do with smoke alarms?

A landlord must ensure there is at least one working smoke alarm on every storey of the property, positioned as required under NSW rules.

Smoke alarms must also be checked each year. Removable batteries generally need to be replaced annually, lithium batteries must be replaced in line with the manufacturer's instructions, and smoke alarm units must be replaced within 10 years of manufacture or earlier if specified by the manufacturer.

If a landlord or agent becomes aware that an alarm is not working, it generally needs to be repaired or replaced within two business days. A licensed electrician is required when repairing or replacing a hard-wired smoke alarm.

What should a tenant do if a smoke alarm isn't working?

Tell your property manager or landlord as soon as you become aware of the problem, even if it appears to be as simple as a flat battery.

A tenant may choose to replace a removable battery themselves after notifying the landlord or agent. There are specific timeframes around doing this and advising the landlord afterwards, so reporting the issue first is important.

How much notice is needed to check a smoke alarm?

For an inspection or assessment of a smoke alarm, the landlord or agent generally needs to give at least two business days' notice.

Where entry is required to actually repair or replace the alarm, at least one hour's notice is required.

What happens if an urgent smoke alarm repair isn't arranged?

There are circumstances where a tenant can arrange for a smoke alarm to be repaired or replaced if the landlord or agent has not acted within the required timeframe. Different requirements apply depending on whether the alarm is battery operated or hard-wired, and tenants should follow the NSW Fair Trading process before arranging the work themselves.

Are strata properties different?

Sometimes. In a strata property, an owners corporation may have responsibility for repairing and replacing smoke alarms. However, this does not automatically remove the landlord's responsibilities. Specific requirements apply before the strata exemption can be relied on.

Keeping smoke alarm compliance simple

Smoke alarms are one of those property-management responsibilities that is much easier to deal with through regular checks and good records rather than waiting for a problem.

If you have a Southern Highlands investment property and you're unsure whether your current smoke alarm arrangements meet NSW requirements, you're welcome to call Highlands Property or send us a message and we can talk you through the process.