VICTORIAN renters have the right to live in a property with working smoke alarms, with the CFA urging tenants to report faulty units to their rental provider as a matter of urgency.
Broken or faulty smoke alarms are considered urgent repairs under Victoria’s rental laws.
CFA Chief Officer, Jason Heffernan, said renters had a role to play in keeping their alarms working.
“If you are renting, test your alarms regularly, never remove or disable them and report any faults as soon as they are identified.
“CFA recommends smoke alarms be installed in every bedroom and living area, in addition to the minimum legal requirements,” he said.
Renters can also ask their rental provider about newer smoke alarms fitted with a long-life battery, which lasts up to 10 years and removes the need for the yearly battery swap, according to the CFA.
Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Nicole Rich, outlined the stricter testing obligations that rental providers now face.
“Since November 2025 it is also mandatory for rental providers to ensure smoke alarms in every residential rental property are tested at least once every 12 months.
“Renters should immediately notify their rental provider or property manager if an alarm is faulty or stops working,” said Rich.
Under Victorian law, smoke alarms meeting Australian Standard AS3786 have been compulsory in all homes, units, flats and townhouses since 1 August 1997, and it is the responsibility of owners and landlords to have them installed and working.
Homes built or significantly renovated after 1 May 2014 that require more than one smoke alarm must have them interconnected, so that all alarms sound if one is triggered.
Combined CFA and FRV data shows firefighters responded to more than 3,600 residential fires across Victoria during the 2024–25 financial year.
First published in the Mornington News – 28 July 2026
