Can you find the date on your smoke alarm? In a Western Australian rental, it matters.
What the rules say
Under the Building Regulations 2012, a smoke alarm in a rented dwelling must be: [1]
- working
- permanently connected to mains power
- not more than 10 years old, and not past its expiry date if one is provided on the alarm
Where an approved battery alarm is allowed, it must have a 10-year battery that cannot be removed. [1]
Finding the date
Building and Energy says the manufacture date or the expiry date should be marked on the alarm. If the alarm is more than 10 years old, or you cannot find the date, it is time to replace it. [2]
Who is responsible
Looking after the alarms is the owner’s responsibility, not the tenant’s. [1][2] Mains powered alarms must be connected or disconnected by a licensed electrical contractor. [1]
Property managers: when did you last check the dates across your portfolio?
Talk to us
Elysium Electrical Contractors is a licensed Perth electrical contractor, Licence EC 16523. We install and replace mains powered smoke alarms. See our smoke alarm installation page. Call 08 9930 2061 or send us an enquiry.
Sources (read on 24 October 2026)
- Building and Energy, Smoke alarms in dwellings for sale, rent or hire (June 2024): wa.gov.au
- WA Government, Is it your smoke alarm’s 10-year anniversary? (last updated 14 April 2025): wa.gov.au
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with Building and Energy on 1300 489 099.
