Landlord’s Fire Safety Responsibilities Explained: Fireco Outlines the Fire Hazards in your Rentals to Keep Your Northland Properties and Tenants Safe
One of the most critical aspects of property management is fire safety. Northland landlords and property managers have legal obligations to maintain their rental properties to a “suitable standard” – which includes ensuring its fire safe for your tenants.
Whether you manage one property or many in Northland, having a clear fire safety strategy can protect your tenants, your property, and your investments. Here’s a guide to help landlords stay on top of their fire safety responsibilities and give tenants peace of mind.
1. Smoke Alarms: The First Line of Defence
Under New Zealand tenancy law, landlords are required to provide smoke alarms in rental properties – read more about smoke alarm requirements on NZ Tenancy Service’s website here. It’s important to go beyond the bare minimum of compliance to ensure complete safety. Here’s what you need to do:
- Install long-life photoelectric smoke alarms: These should be placed in each bedroom (or within 3 meters of the bedroom doors) and on every level of the property, including caravans or sleep-outs. Long-life models require less maintenance and are more reliable than battery-operated alternatives – such as Fireco’s Photoelectric model with a 10-year battery life. In fact, all new smoke alarms in rental homes must be photoelectric, have a battery life of at least 8 years, or be hard-wired.
- Regularly test and maintain smoke alarms: Schedule a smoke alarm check with each tenant changeover and test them at least once a year. Landlords are responsible for making sure smoke alarms are functioning correctly when the tenancy begins.
- Communicate with tenants: Make sure tenants know to alert you immediately if any alarm stops working and remind them to check the batteries if they aren’t long-life models. Find more smoke alarm guidance on Fire Emergency NZ’s website here.
2. Keep Fire Hazards to a Minimum
Your property’s layout and the appliances provided can either minimise or increase fire risks, so keep these points in mind:
- Maintain provided electrical appliances: If you’ve provided appliances (such as fridges, washing machines, dryers), check they’re in good condition and that cords aren’t frayed. It’s essential to check these at least annually and address any electrical issues immediately.
- Fireplace safety: If your rental property includes a fireplace, make sure the chimney is regularly cleaned and in good condition. Fireplaces should also be fitted with a screen to prevent embers from escaping.
- Proper ventilation for dryers: Clothes dryers can be a major fire hazard if they aren’t maintained properly. Regularly inspect that there’s adequate ventilation and also make sure that your tenants know to clean the lint filter after each use.
- Ample power outlets: Properties with few power outlets can often lead tenants to overloading extension cords and multi-boards, creating a fire hazard. Consider adding extra outlets if needed to reduce the need for multi-plug adaptors, or make sure surge protectors are being used.
3. Emergency Access and Equipment
Prepare your property for emergencies by checking it’s easy for both tenants and emergency responders to act quickly when needed:
- Clearly visible house numbers: Make sure the house number is visible from the street so emergency services can easily locate the property.
- Fire extinguishers: While not legally required, providing a fire extinguisher in key areas, like the kitchen, can be a lifesaver. If you provide one, make sure your tenants know how and when to use it.
4. Tenant Education
While landlords can implement a range of safety measures, tenant education is key to ensuring fire safety. Consider providing your tenants with a Renter’s Fire Safety Checklist, like this one from Fire Emergency NZ, that covers essential safety tips such as how to maintain smoke alarms, avoid overloading power outlets, and store flammable materials safely.
5. Legal Responsibilities
Stay up to date with the latest regulations. Work with the Fireco experts to make sure your properties comply with all legal requirements for rental property fire safety, including smoke alarm placements and obligations regarding tenant notification.
Be Proactive with Fireco
By taking a proactive approach to fire safety, landlords and property managers will significantly reduce the risks of fire in their rental properties and ensure their tenants feel secure. Fireco is here to help with all your fire safety needs, from alarms to extinguishers. Contact us today to get started with safeguarding your Northland rental properties.
