What does "Suitably Qualified Person" mean in relation to Smoke Alarm servicing (VIC)
Shane Sykes from Syncom Auditing put together this about what a "suitably qualified person” in relation to smoke alarm checks for Victorian rental properties means, there is a fair bit of confusion around this, especially about whether it always means a licensed electrician.
1. What the law requires
Under the Residential Tenancies Regulations 2021 (Vic) and Consumer Affairs Victoria guidance, rental providers must ensure that smoke alarms are:
tested according to the manufacturer’s instructions at least once every 12 months
cleaned and have batteries replaced as needed
replaced if they are faulty, damaged, or more than 10 years old, or otherwise non‑compliant.
These tasks must be carried out by a “suitably qualified person”.
The legislation does not ask for a special smoke alarm licence and does not say that the annual checks must always be done by an electrician.
2. What “suitably qualified person” means.
For smoke alarm checks in rental properties, a suitably qualified person is someone who:
Has the right knowledge
Understands Victorian smoke alarm requirements for rentals (type, placement, testing frequency, 10‑year replacement, etc.).
Can follow manufacturer instructions and relevant Australian Standards (e.g. AS 3786 for smoke alarms).
Is competent to perform the work
Can correctly test, clean and maintain smoke alarms.
Can identify alarms that are out of date, incorrectly installed, or not working.
Can record the inspection and outcomes in a way that would satisfy an insurer, Consumer Affairs Victoria or VCAT.
Holds the correct licence when required
Hard wired (240V) smoke alarms installation, replacement or any work involving electrical wiring must be done by a licensed electrician.
Battery only or plug in alarms, can be installed and serviced by a trained smoke alarm technician or an electrician, provided they follow manufacturer instructions.
In practice, this usually means:
A specialist smoke alarm company that uses trained technicians and, where needed, electricians for hard‑wired work; or
A licensed electrician who is familiar with the smoke‑alarm obligations.
A general handyman or owner doing a quick button‑press test, without training or proper records, is unlikely to meet the “suitably qualified” standard if the work were ever scrutinised.