You could be a tenant or an owner. It’s now time to comply with the New Zealand Building Code update, which states that starting November 1, 2024, all new homes must have a smoke alarm system.

As an owner, you must ensure that smoke alarms work in your rental property. The building code mandates installing a Type 1 smoke alarm or multiple interconnected smoke alarm devices

Each device must include a smoke detector and an alarm. Interconnected smoke alarms send signals to other smoke alarms in a house, and when one alarm detects a fire and goes off, all the other smoke alarms in the house are activated. This interconnected system provides an additional layer of safety, especially when the occupants are not in the same room or are sleeping, making you feel more secure and protected. You must install smoke alarms within three metres of each bedroom door, in every room where a person sleeps, and in living spaces. A building owner or developer must ensure they’re available in the hallways, landings, and at each level or storey of a multi-unit home.Smoke alarms are also mandatory in boarding houses, rental caravans and self-con tained sleep-outs.

The new smoke alarms must be photoelectric with a battery life of at least eight years or hard-wired. They must be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and meet international standards. The smoke alarms should also come with a hush-and-test button.