WA Smoke Alarm and RCD Compliance for Rental Properties

Keeping your property safe and up to standard

When it comes to property management in Western Australia, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. For landlords, ensuring that smoke alarms and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) meet current WA regulations isn’t just good practice, it’s the law. These safety measures protect tenants, reduce risk, and ensure your property remains compliant and insurable.

Why Smoke Alarm Compliance Matters

At the end of the day, smoke alarms save lives. In the event of a fire, they issue an early warning sound that provides residents with enough time to exit the property. Under the Building Regulations 2012 (WA), all residential properties that are leased, rented, or sold must be fitted with compliant smoke alarms.

For Perth landlords, this means:

• It's important to put smoke alarms in the right places, typically hallways leading to bedrooms.
• They must be hard-wired to mains power with a battery backup (unless an exemption applies).
• They must comply with AS 3786:2014, the Australian Standard for smoke alarms.
• They need to be replaced every 10 years from the date of manufacture.

If a property does not comply, landlords risk not only fines but also insurance claims could be denied in the event of a fire.

Landlord Responsibilities Under WA Legislation

Smoke alarm compliance is the landlord’s legal responsibility. Before each new tenancy and for every lease renewal, landlords must confirm that alarms are correctly installed, operational, and within their service life.

Failing to do so can lead to serious consequences, including penalties from local councils and exposure to liability if an incident occurs. Beyond compliance, it’s the right thing to do to protect tenants and maintain a safe home environment.

RCD Compliance in WA Rental Properties

While smoke alarms keep you safe from fire, RCDs (Residual Current Devices) keep you safe from electric shocks. These safety switches detect electrical faults and automatically cut the power within milliseconds, preventing serious injury or death.

Under WA law, every rental property must have at least two RCDs installed on the main switchboard:

• One for the lighting circuit
• One for the power circuit

They must be installed and tested by a licensed electrician and kept in working order at all times.

If a tenant reports frequent tripping or electrical issues, landlords are responsible for ensuring the RCDs are inspected immediately. Although small, these devices play a huge role in preventing electrical accidents, and maintaining them is a legal requirement.

Our Approach to Compliance at D Residential Group

At D Residential Group, we take compliance very seriously. Our property management service ensures every rental property we manage is fully compliant with current WA smoke alarm and RCD regulations.

We partner with Smoke Alarms Australia, a trusted national provider, to carry out annual smoke alarm inspections. Their qualified technicians:

• Check that each alarm is installed and positioned correctly
• Confirm expiration dates are correct and that they meet Australian Standards
• Test alarms to ensure they are fully operational
• Provide a detailed compliance certificate after each inspection

We apply the same level of care to RCD compliance, working with licensed electricians to perform annual testing and certification. Every landlord gets regular reports verifying their property satisfies WA safety standards. This is an important step for insurance and peace of mind.

Our Commitment to Proactive Property Management

Compliance is not a “set and forget” process. We maintain a strict system of reminders and tracking, ensuring every inspection, report, and replacement is completed on time. This proactive approach protects both landlords and tenants, reduces risk, and makes sure that WA tenancy laws are always followed.

Why Landlords Choose D Residential Group

Choosing a professional, boutique agency like D Residential Group ensures your investment is always in safe hands. Our landlords benefit from:

• Full compliance with Western Australian tenancy and building regulations
• Reduced risk of injury, damage, or costly fines
• Detailed records for legal and insurance protection
• A proactive, transparent approach that protects your asset year-round

Keeping Perth Rentals Safe and Compliant

At D Residential Group, we understand that your property is one of your most valuable investments. 

If you’re a Perth landlord seeking confidence that your property is being managed to the highest standard, our team is here to help. We’ll take care of every detail, ensuring your property remains safe, compliant, and professionally managed all year round.