Smoke Alarms And Tenants

Landlords are responsible for the installation of smoke alarms in rented premises and where a smoke alarm is installed.

If the smoke alarm has a replaceable battery, the landlord must put a new battery in at the commencement of the tenancy. After the tenancy begins, as the tenant you are  responsible for replacing the battery if needed. Also you must agree not to remove or interfere with the operation of any smoke alarm installed on the residential premises except with reasonable excuse and to notify the landlord if any smoke alarm installed on the residential premises is not functioning properly.

Information from NSW Fire & Rescue

NSW legislation mandates that your landlord is responsible for ensuring your residence meets the minimum requirement of having at least one working smoke alarm installed on every level of your home.|
Landlords are responsible for the installation of smoke alarms in rented premises.
Landlords have the right of access to rented premises to fit smoke alarms after giving the tenant at least two days’ notice.
After the tenancy begins, the tenant is responsible for replacing the battery, if needed, in battery-operated smoke alarms. Hard-wired smoke alarm back-up batteries are to be replaced by the landlord.
If the tenant is physically unable to change the battery the tenant is required to notify the landlord as soon as practicable.