Smoke alarm service

Ok so the property manager keeps hounding me about these $99 /yr smoke alarm services. My question is how many of you actually use these?

I have 3 properties and it starts to add up paying for all these extra services. Changing batteries, cleaning and a test is not rocket science.

Thanks

 

You have 3 diverse income streams, taken together, they too are substantial.

It's not rocket science but could come down to forensic science in a worst case scenario.

What is your risk management strategy in lieu of engaging someone to so the inspection, testing, replacement & certification?

 

If you're going to do it yourself, definitely make sure you understand and update yourself on the current standards, I had my PM take it upon herself to send someone in to do them, knowingly that I've done them for the past 5 years and when I done them the next time around (2years later) the alarms still had the same marked batteries in them that I had originally installed.

I've also had 2 different companies contradicted themselves with placement of alarms, so if you think they're all being done right, think again.

 

I plan to use a compliance service. I am living abroad so no real choice. But even if I lived local in Brisbane, I probably would still go with a compliance service. My PM is proposing Smoke Alarm Solutions. (https://www.smokealarmsolutions.com...olutions---Pricing-Schedule-February-2019.pdf)

Is $99/$129 pretty much the market price for these compliance services? Who are the other major names in this space - operating in Brisbane?

 

I checked their website. They seem to offer a package at $79 ...significantly cheaper than $129 at SAS.

 

It's definitely annoying having to pay every year for multiple properties but I just remind myself I'll get some of it back come tax time.

 

If your alarm setup is compliant as wired and 10 year backup interconnected a annual inspection may be unnecessary. Only required on change of tenant

 

Ive had a few agents who push the services hard, however if you tell them to stop sending you them and you are not interested unless they pay for it, they should stop

 

@wylie - sounds like the upgrade of interconnecting was with SAS but the management went over to Safe Homes?

We are in this position, unsure how '10yr replacement' alarms will go in the future... ie. we co-ordinate with SAS to send tenant their replacement alarm and then get SHS to 'install'

 

Also the $99 is a check. If replacement is needed do you get a quote or is it do and charge ?

 

Given this is necessity, we really need a price list or simple comparison spreadsheet. Cheapest in Sydney we saw was $99. Would love to know who offers for $79.

Also, we are in 4 townhouse strata. Anyone recommend who can do group discount. Really should be like $200 to cover all properties in one go

 

We use it for 3 properties - we dont have the option to do it ourselves due to location but even if we were local we would still use a service. The gas and electrical compliance in Vic is a significant higher price and having to do that every 2 years is going to be a real pain. and no real alternative.

 

Just curious on how does one do the test themselves.
Reason i ask is that I am in 4 lot townhouse strata where the strata manager mention its owners responsibilty to get it done.
That is realy hard to track. One owner is retired electrician.

Just curious in case you doing yourself and alarms were installed recently (say last 2-3 years). Then is it matter of just pressing the test button? ( i am assuming there is more involved given every is obligated to pay a professional).

 

Yes. To be honest, bigger worry is that this is not being done. I spoke to strata manager and they said not responsible as per some by law. However, owners don't know the obligation and just do it informally.

Not sure where to find resource on NSW obligation and where and what needs to be submitted. I know for fact no one is doing anything. So not sure what are penalties and who enforces them, etc.