What Smoke Alarms does Fire Emergency NZ Recommend for Auckland Rental Properties?
As a landlord in Auckland, it’s essential to equip your rental property with the right smoke alarms to meet safety regulations. But with various types on the market, understanding which smoke alarms to install can be confusing.
Fire Emergency NZ has specific recommendations to protect tenants and meet legal obligations. Here, Fireco explains the best smoke alarm choices and legal obligations for your Auckland rental properties.
What Smoke Alarms Does Fire Emergency NZ Recommend for Auckland Rental Properties?
For rental properties across New Zealand, Fire Emergency NZ recommends photoelectric smoke alarms over other types due to their proven reliability and effectiveness in detecting smouldering fires. These alarms provide a higher level of protection for tenants, and for Auckland landlords, they help meet the Residential Tenancies (Smoke Alarms and Insulation) Regulations 2016. Read more about FENZ’s smoke alarm recommendations on their website here.
Why Choose Photoelectric Smoke Alarms?
Photoelectric smoke alarms are the preferred choice by Fireco and FENZ because:
- Faster, Earlier Detection of Fires: These alarms are particularly sensitive to the smoke particles produced by slow-burning, smouldering fires that are often caused by items like furniture or bedding setting alight. This early detection is crucial in detecting small fires before they turn into a major blaze, as well as giving tenants more time to evacuate in the event of fire emergency.
- Fewer False Alarms: Photoelectric alarms are less likely to be triggered by cooking or shower steam, leading to fewer nuisance false alarms and significantly reduce the temptation for tenants to disable them.
- Long-Lasting Lifespan: Many photoelectric smoke alarms come with a long-life, tamper-proof battery, lasting up to 10 years. This is both a convenient and cost-effective choice, as it reduces the number of battery changes.
Where Should Photoelectric Smoke Alarms Be Installed in Rental Properties?
There needs to be at least one smoke alarm in your rental property. To ensure your tenant’s safety and meet NZ tenancy legal requirements, landlords should install photoelectric smoke alarms in specific locations:
- Hallways: This is a must-have, as smoke alarms often can’t detect smoke through a closed door, so the hallway close to connecting bedrooms is a good location to alert sleeping tenant of a fire emergency.
- Bedrooms: Smoke alarms can also be installed in each bedroom, where fires can occur from electrical devices or other hazards.
- Living Areas: Consider installing additional alarms in living areas, particularly in large open-plan spaces where fire risks may be present.
According to NZ Tenancy Services, each level of a multi-story rental property must have at least one smoke alarm within 3 meters of each bedroom door. Heat alarms are recommended in kitchens and bathrooms also, rather than smoke alarms.
Understanding the Legal Requirements for Smoke Alarms in Auckland Rentals
The Residential Tenancies Act outlines key smoke alarm requirements for Auckland rental properties:
- Photoelectric Alarms Only: All new smoke alarms must be photoelectric to comply with the law and Fire Emergency NZ’s recommendations.
- Minimum Standards: Alarms should be hardwired or have a long-life battery that can last 8-10 years.
- Regular Testing and Maintenance: While tenants are responsible for regular testing and notifying landlords of any issues, landlords should inspect alarms between tenancies and replace them as needed.
Meeting these requirements not only keeps you in compliance with NZ laws, but also provides an essential layer of protection for your tenants and rental properties. Find more information on your smoke alarm obligations on Tenancy Services’ website here.
Ready to Upgrade Your Smoke Alarms? Contact Fireco Today
By following Fire Emergency NZ’s guidelines and installing reliable photoelectric smoke alarms, you’re prioritising tenant safety and keeping compliant with Auckland’s rental property regulations.
Fireco can help you select, install, and maintain the ideal smoke alarm solution for your property. Find more information on our photoelectric smoke alarms here, or get in touch with the Fireco team.
