In June this year, a fire took hold in a rental unit in Highton while the tenant was away. A working smoke alarm alerted a passer-by. It’s a local reminder of the simple job smoke alarms do: buying you the minutes you need to get out.
Smart Green Electrical tests, replaces and interconnects smoke alarms for homeowners and landlords across Geelong, Ocean Grove, and the Bellarine Peninsula through our residential electrical and property maintenance services.
What the Law Requires
Smoke alarms are compulsory in every Victorian home, but the exact rules depend on when the home was built and whether it’s rented.
The Rules in Victoria:
- Smoke alarms meeting AS 3786 have been compulsory in all homes since 1 August 1997
- Homes built or significantly renovated after 1 May 2014 that need more than one alarm must have them interconnected
- Since November 2025, landlords must ensure alarms in every rental are tested at least once every 12 months
- A faulty smoke alarm in a rental property counts as an urgent repair
Owners and landlords are responsible for making sure alarms are installed and working.
What Fire Services Recommend
The law sets the minimum. Fire services recommend going further.
Going Beyond the Minimum:
- Smoke alarms in every bedroom and living area, not just hallways
- Interconnected alarms, so one triggers them all, even in older homes
- Testing every alarm monthly using the test button
- Replacing alarms every 10 years, as most manufacturers recommend
Hardwired alarms with a backup battery keep working during a blackout and must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Check Before You Head Away
Summer holidays are the perfect reminder to check every alarm in the house.
Your Five-Minute Summer Check:
- Press the test button on every alarm
- Replace any alarm that chirps or has yellowed
- Check the manufacture date on the back and replace anything over 10 years old
- Book the annual check for rentals and holiday homes before summer guests arrive
Requirements sourced from Consumer Affairs Victoria and Fire Rescue Victoria, correct as at October 2026.
Why Choose Smart Green Electrical?
With more than 20 years of experience across Geelong, Ocean Grove, and the Bellarine Peninsula, Smart Green Electrical makes smoke alarm compliance simple. We test, replace and interconnect alarms in one visit, and landlords can bundle it with their electrical safety check.
Get Started Today
A working smoke alarm is the cheapest life-saving device in your home. Call Smart Green Electrical on 0483 939 131 or email service@smartgreenelectrical.com.au to book a smoke alarm check.
For homeowners, landlords and holiday rentals across the region.
