Smoke alarms in New South Wales (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Smoke alarms are compulsory in all homes where people sleep in New South Wales, with at least one working alarm on each level. In rented homes the landlord must install and keep alarms working, repair within two business days of learning of a fault and check them every year.

RuleWhat applies
Smoke alarm legally required in homesSmoke alarms in dwellingsYes [1]
Minimum alarms and whereSmoke alarms in dwellingsAt least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises. [1]
Minimum alarms and whereSmoke alarms in dwellings; Rented homes in New South Wales (residential tenancies)At least one smoke alarm in a hallway outside a bedroom, or another suitable location, on each storey of the rented home. [2]
Who must fit the alarmsSmoke alarms in dwellingsOwner [1]
Who must fit the alarmsSmoke alarms in dwellings; Rented homes in New South Wales (residential tenancies)Landlord [2]
Who must keep them workingSmoke alarms in dwellings; Rented homes in New South Wales (residential tenancies)Landlord [2]
Date the duty applies (existing homes: compliance date)Smoke alarms in dwellings⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The Planning page says the requirement was extended in 2006 to all existing homes and other shared accommodation buildings. The regulation itself (Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021) could not be read from this server; the Planning page is the source used.
  • The landlord must keep alarms working, repair or replace within two business days of learning of a fault, check them every year, change removable batteries every year and replace alarms within 10 years of manufacture. The landlord cannot pass the duty to the tenant in the tenancy agreement; tenants must report a fault. Properties in a strata scheme have an exemption if four conditions are met.
  • The Planning page gives only the year 2006 for the extension to existing homes, not a date. The date the rental-specific duty began was not stated on the pages read.

Sources

  1. NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure: Smoke alarms | Planning (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. NSW Fair Trading (NSW Government): Smoke alarms in a rental property | NSW Government (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Return and Earn · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Auto-opening knives prohibited
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Cradle only, touch limited; L/P: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.