Smoke Alarm and RCD Information: What Every WA Landlord Needs to Know

When it comes to renting out a property in Western Australia, ensuring safety and compliance is essential. Two of the most important requirements under the Residential Tenancies Act 1987 and the Building Regulations 2012 are smoke alarms and Residual Current Devices (RCDs). These lifesaving devices not only protect tenants but also reduce a landlord’s legal risk and liability.

At Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park, we make it our priority to keep landlords fully informed of their obligations. Here’s what you need to know.

Smoke Alarms: Landlord Responsibilities

In WA, mains-powered smoke alarms must be installed in all rental properties. The requirements are clear:

• Type: Smoke alarms must be hardwired to the mains power and have a battery back-up.
• Placement: They must be installed on every level of the home, positioned to protect all sleeping areas and comply with Australian Standard 3786.
• Maintenance: Landlords are responsible for ensuring alarms are operational at the beginning of each tenancy and at lease renewal.
• Replacement: Smoke alarms must be less than 10 years old. If an alarm is faulty, damaged or past expiry, it must be replaced immediately.

Failure to comply with smoke alarm regulations can result in significant fines and, more importantly, puts lives at risk.

Residual Current Devices (RCD’s): Landlord Responsibilities

RCDs are designed to prevent electrocution by cutting power in the event of a fault. Under WA law:

• Minimum requirement: All rental properties must have at least two RCDs installed to protect all power points and lighting circuits.
• Positioning: RCDs must be installed on the switchboard by a licensed electrician.
• Testing: RCDs should be tested regularly using the “test” button. Tenants can perform this monthly, while landlords should arrange professional inspections when necessary.
• Penalties: Landlords who fail to comply with RCD laws face fines of up to $15,000 for individuals and $100,000 for bodies corporate.

Why Compliance Matters

Beyond meeting legal obligations, ensuring your property is fitted with compliant smoke alarms and RCDs:

• Protects your tenants by providing safety and peace of mind.
• Safeguards your investment and reduces the risk of legal issues.
• Improves the appeal of your property to quality tenants.

Best Practices for Landlords

Along with meeting compliance requirements, we recommend:

• Annual professional checks: Arrange for a licensed electrician to inspect smoke alarms and RCDs each year.
• Tenant education: Provide tenants with clear instructions on how to test smoke alarms and RCDs.
• Record keeping: Keep receipts, compliance certificates, and service records on file in case they are required later.

Download the Official WA Fact Sheet

To make compliance easier, we’ve provided access to the Government of Western Australia’s official Smoke Alarm and RCD Fact Sheet. This comprehensive guide explains everything landlords and tenants need to know.

Download the Smoke Alarm and RCD Fact Sheet (PDF)

Landlord responsibilities extend well beyond collecting rent. Ensuring your property is fitted with compliant smoke alarms and RCDs is essential for tenant safety, legal compliance, and protecting your investment.

Our team at Ray White Cottesloe | Mosman Park can help you stay on top of these obligations. From coordinating licensed tradespeople to maintaining compliance records, we make sure your property remains safe and secure.

Contact Geniene Adam on M +61 477 801 501to learn how we can help get your property rent ready.