Changes Coming Soon For Insulation And Smoke Detectors

The Residential Tenancies Act is to be strengthened with new requirements for insulation and smoke alarms.

The new law will require retrofitting of ceiling and underfloor insulation in rental homes over the next four years. The requirement applies from 1 July 2019 for rental housing, including boarding houses.  There will be exemptions, such as where it is physically impractical to retrofit insulation due to limited space underfloor or inaccessible raked ceilings.

There will also be a new requirement from 1 July 2016 for all landlords to state in tenancy agreements the level of ceiling, underfloor and wall insulation to help better inform tenants.

Smoke alarms will also be required in all tenanted properties from 1 July 2016. Regulations will make landlords responsible for ensuring an operational smoke alarm is in place, and tenants responsible for replacing batteries or notifying landlords of defects.

Long life (10-year) photoelectric alarms will be required where there is no existing alarm or when replacing an existing alarm.

If you like to read more detailed information about these changes, contact your Property Manager.