Battery alarms and hardwired alarms
Buildings built after 1 August 1997 must have hardwired smoke alarms with a battery backup. Older buildings can have battery-powered alarms. On a hardwired alarm, the backup battery may be replaceable, or it may be a sealed battery built to last the life of the alarm. If the battery is sealed in, there's nothing to change, and a chirp usually means the whole alarm needs replacing.
If reaching the battery means taking the alarm off its base, follow the manual, and never touch or disconnect the wiring behind it.
What the rental provider is responsible for
Rental providers must make sure every smoke alarm is correctly installed and working, has batteries, and is tested at least once every 12 months. Since 25 November 2025, every Victorian rental has needed an annual smoke alarm safety check. A smoke alarm that isn't working is on the list of urgent repairs, which must be done immediately.
If you change a battery, let the agent know. It keeps their records straight and flags an alarm that may be near the end of its life.
What to report rather than fix
Report an alarm that keeps chirping after a fresh battery, sounds for no clear reason, is cracked or yellowed, is missing, or has passed the expiry date printed under the battery or on the back. The Building and Plumbing Commission advises replacing alarms as the manufacturer specifies, generally after ten years. Never take the battery out or cover an alarm to stop nuisance alarms; report it so the cause can be fixed.
What you can safely do now
- Press and hold each alarm's test button once a month until it beeps three times.
- Replace a replaceable battery with the type shown on the alarm or in its manual.
- Tell your agent in writing about any alarm that still chirps, is damaged or is out of date.
- Never remove the battery or cover an alarm to stop it sounding.
Services that can help
Read more in our guides
Related questions
- What does an annual rental smoke alarm check involve?It's a yearly visit to confirm every smoke alarm is correctly installed and working.
- How do I check when my smoke alarm expires?Twist the alarm off its base or open the battery cover, as you would to change the battery, and look for a date on the back or under the battery.
- Do older leases now need gas and electrical safety checks?Yes.
- Can a rental's failed gas hot water be replaced with gas after March 2027?No.
Sources for this answer
4 sources, with the date each was checked
- 1.Consumer Affairs Victoria: A hard-wired smoke alarm must be installed by a qualified electrician, but anyone can change a smoke alarm battery. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 2.Consumer Affairs Victoria: a cooling appliance or service provided by the rental provider is not working the property does not meet minimum standards a safety-related device, such as a smoke alarm or pool fence, is not working Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 3.Building and Plumbing Commission (formerly Victorian Building Authority): replace the smoke alarm in accordance with manufacturer's specifications – generally after ten years. New units have an expiry date located under the battery. Accessed 30 September 2026.
- 4.Fire Rescue Victoria: TEST your smoke alarm batteries Every month Press and hold the test button until the smoke alarm beeps three times. Accessed 30 September 2026.
General information for homes in Victoria. Every installation is different, so treat this as a starting point. Where this answer refers to Victorian safety or rental rules, the sources above have the current requirements.