Property Management

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Previously, I looked at <a href="/expert-insights/buying/30232-the-pros-and-cons-of-investing-in-a-modern-duplex" target="_blank">the positives and negatives of duplex housing from an investor perspective</a>.

Today I'll explore a more recently evolved ‘sister’ property type to the humble duplex – the ‘dual-key’ property.

Dual-key properties are a fairly recent emergence; however they have existed for decades in places such as Sweden, Japan and the United States.

A dual-key property is effectively one main property, with one front entrance door/hallway. The property then has a living room, bathroom, kitchen and one or two bedrooms.

Sounds like any normal property so far; except that a dual key property has an additional dwelling inside of it. Usually there’s an extra bedroom that has its own door lock. Inside the bedroom is a studio apartment with its own small kitchen and separate bathroom.

Unlike duplexes, dual-key properties enable one space to be shared by two separate parties or tenants. The property may have only one entrance/front hallway, through which all occupants enter. Some dual-key properties have only this as a common area, however most typically have a shared lounge and kitchen. Usually each tenant will actually have separate keys that unlocks only their own bedroom and bathroom spaces.

The pros and of a dual-key investment:

<ul>
<li>Two income producing properties on one title (unlike some duplexes, townhouses and attached dwellings that may require separate titles).</li>
	<li>As the property unit owner will typically only need to pay strata for one property, not two.</li>
	<li>Each portion can still be let separately, offering investors great scope for maximum rental return.</li>
	<li>Arguably, in an ageing population that is also downsizing and urbanising, dual-key could be a smart play to reach into the urban dwellers who require extra space for a parent or elderly relative to live close-by (but still with some privacy and separation).</li>
	<li>Another target rental audience for these property types would be students. Most urban students desire to live within walking distance to everything; their campus, CBD centres, and transport hubs. Dual-key properties may be attractive to students who seek a well located, low maintenance/low common area cleaning property.</li>
</ul>
The cons and of a dual-key investment:

<ul>
<li>Because dual-key is a (relatively) new property type in the Australian market, many are being priced as such. It may be financially smarter, in terms of rental return, to simply buy two separate properties from the beginning.</li>
	<li>The jury is still out on whether this property type is high demand or not. The abovementioned student and extended-family demographics may appreciate this property type, but many others will not. Urban young professionals, for instance, may simply prefer to pitch in for a three or four bedroom share house instead.</li>
	<li>Banks and lenders may have reservations in approving mortgages for this property type.</li>
	<li>Dual-key properties may actually offer limited capital growth. However, some dual-key properties may be easily convertible back to a two to three bedroom single property later down the track.</li>
</ul>
It is a great sign of the times that dual-key properties are on the uptake. With limited urban space and continually high-demand to occupy it, this property type could be a good compromise between human density and quality of life.

As a prospective investment property however, like all property types, would-be investors need to crunch rental and capital growth numbers and consider all the issues a dual-key property type presents, before taking the plunge.

<h2>Check out our latest listings:</h2>

[smartcode_project:default project_id=22057]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=94811]

[smartcode_project:default project_id=24532]
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cmcevoy-Go82SmsJA9

The pros and cons of dual-key investment properties

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Richard Wakelin, founder of Wakelin Property Advisory, has suggested properties with high yields tended to be more vulnerable than other properties to economic shocks, not less.
"They are often located in areas that struggle economically in the best of times due to a limited and narrow economic base and contain tenants who are more susceptible to bouts of unemployment," he wrote in his latest Fairfax Media column.
"Consequently, in downturns, there is a serious risk of rent arrears and extended vacancies that can bleed dry an investor's cash reserves and capital values that fall harder than elsewhere." 
<div>
Those properties essentially have high yields as compensation for the high risk the properties present, he warned.
</div>
<div>
"In these less certain times for property, I would much prefer to see a risk-averse prospective investor sit on the sidelines than opt for a high-yielding asset," he suggested before adding over the long term, sitting on the sidelines and not buying growth assets was a material risk to future retirement prospects.
He suggested few are able to "time the market" and buy at the bottom.
"So put aside the market cycle.
"Invest when you have the means," the Melbourne buyers' agent suggested.
<div>
Noting most capital city residential property markets are slated for little or even negative capital growth in coming months, Wakelin rebuked the suggestion that the promise of some income make high-yielding properties was the least bad asset to hold in a time of decline.
They were not the property market's equivalent of the equity market's unglamorous but safe defensive utility stocks that pay a significant dividend twice a year.
<div>
Wakeline said there had been "a hard few years for those seeking income yield" as property yields had, in line with most other assets, receded "almost remorselessly."
He cited CoreLogic charting a fall of capital city gross yields from 4.5 per cent for houses and 5.1 per cent for apartments back in March 2012 down to 3.2 per cent for houses and 4 per cent for apartments in December 2017, adding yields vary markedly from property to property, location to location.
"Yields for multi-million-dollar mansions in Sydney or Melbourne are often less than two per cent.
"By contrast, yields for student studio apartments or outback houses can be in excess of six or even seven per cent."
</div>
</div>
</div>
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Warning that properties with high yields carry high risk in current downturn

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The McGrath share price is going to be 32 cents in a year's time, reflecting no change from its current lows, according to Bell Potter, the stockbroker who helped float the estate agency at $2.10 in late 2015.
The forecast came after McGrath updated the ASX on the deteriorating property market conditions.
McGrath provided a trading update that highlighted a number of factors which are negatively impacting the operating performance of the company.
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/24/mcgrath1.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/24/mcgrath1.jpg" alt="">
McGrath did not provide any guidance for FY19 but did say it expects a much better result in 2HFY19 and “at least a breakeven position on an EBITDA basis” for the full year.
Bell Potter accordingly downgraded its FY19 EBITDA forecast from $5.1 million – which was consistent with underlying FY18 EBITDA – to a modest loss of $0.5 million which is below the company’s general guidance of at least a breakeven result.
It also downgraded its FY20 and FY21 EBITDA forecasts by 58% and 44% but continue to forecast positive EBITDA in both these periods and some improvement in market conditions.
"Our downgraded EBITDA forecasts mean we now expect a net loss in FY20 and a modest net profit in FY21," the stockbroker advised.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/24/Mcgrath3.jpg" alt="">
"The net result is a 16% decrease in our PT to $0.32 which is close to the current share price and so we maintain the HOLD recommendation.
"We note our PT is now modestly lower than the $0.33 valuation we apply to the annuity businesses but we do not see this valuation as the key driver of the share price as we do not expect these businesses to be sold."
The broker advised shareholders it "no longer forecasts a resumption of dividends in FY20 given we now forecast a net loss in the period".
Click here <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/images/2018/10/24/McGrath2.jpg" target="_blank">to enlarge.</a>
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2018/10/24/McGrath2.jpg" alt="">
Its determination of the price target for McGrath was base on its core DCF (discounted cash flow) and the valuation of the annuity businesses.
"McGrath has two annuity businesses – property management and mortgage broking – which generate recurring revenue and so a relatively reliable or dependable valuation can be applied to each.
"We value both businesses at b/w $55 - 60m which equates to b/w $0.33 - 0.36 per share and so provides some valuation support for the share price."
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

McGrath share price supported by property management and mortgage commissions: Bell Potter

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GUEST OBSERVER
We are all painfully aware that asbestos is nasty, really nasty. According to the Australian Mesothelioma Registry there were 612 cases of <a href="https://www.cancervic.org.au/about-cancer/cancer_types/mesothelioma" target="_blank">mesothelioma</a> diagnosed in 2011.
By 31 August 2012, 310 of those diagnosed in 2011 had died – more than half.
Yet as this amazingly versatile, but lethal, building material is being progressively cleansed from our building stock, it seems that complacency is beginning to set in.
This is likely to be one of key the reasons for the introduction of the asbestos related elements of The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011.
Now for the legal bit - these regulations implement the model Work Health and Safety Regulations (the model regulations) in the Commonwealth jurisdiction and form part of a system of nationally harmonised occupational health and safety (OHS) laws.
Since 1 January 2013, it has been a legal requirement that every workplace constructed on or before 31 December 2003 has an asbestos register held at the subject site. Anyone involved in the ownership, management or occupation of a building is liable under the regulations.
To emphasise the obligations, there are penalties of up to $18,000 for non-compliance with each or all of the following obligations under clause 425 of the regulations:
<ol>
<li>A person with management or control of a workplace must ensure that a register (an asbestos register) is prepared and kept at the workplace. </li>
<li>The person must ensure that the asbestos register is maintained to ensure the information in the register is up to date. </li>
<li>The asbestos register must:</li>
</ol>
(a) record any asbestos or asbestos containing material (“ACM”) identified at the workplace under regulation 422, or likely to be present at the workplace from time to time including:
(i) the date on which the asbestos or ACM was identified; and
(ii) the location, type and condition of the asbestos or ACM; or (b) state that no asbestos or ACM is identified at the workplace if the person knows that no asbestos or ACM is identified, or is likely to be present from time to time, at the workplace.
Given that the regulations have been in force for over 15 months now, it is really surprising to find that there are many managers of commercial and industrial property who are unaware of the requirement for an asbestos register, and even more concerning that there are owners who, once advised of the requirement, will not authorise the expenditure to have such a register compiled.
It’s not expensive, it’s not complicated, and the penalties are high. It’s time to put asbestos back on the agenda.
John Preece is <a href="https://www.knightfrank.com.au/" target="_blank">Knight Frank</a>’s national director - project management and building consultancy.
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kjiminez-eaYKfU7qd2

Asbestos is back on the agenda

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The investment value of your rental property is only as sound as the tenants you have in it.
Good tenants will take care of your property, keep you up to date with any maintenance issues and provide a reliable source of income. Bad tenants can disrupt your cash flow, prematurely age your property and will end up costing you more in property management fees.
Don’t underestimate the value of tenant retention. Each time you lose a tenant, you’re losing valuable cash while your property sits vacant.
Property Observer brings you five tips for getting and keeping the right tenants.
<ol>
<li>
Don’t set rents too high While slugging tenants with the highest possible rental rates might seem like the best way to squeeze cash from your investment, the practice may actually harm your tenant retention rate, costing you more money in the long run. If tenants are too pressed for cash or see something more affordable pop up on the market, they may move on, leaving your property empty while you search for new renters. Just because one tenant can afford to pay extra for now, that doesn’t mean that others will do the same once that renter moves on. Gary Triganza of Sydney agency Kelly &amp; Sons told Property Observer that landlords should consider keeping rents slightly below the market rate to retain a great tenant. “Landlords can then go to the full market rent with the next tenant,” he said. If you set rent at $590 per week rather than $600, it will cost you (and save your tenant) $520 a year – less than a single week on the market will cost you should they vacate. Setting your rents too high will also scare off good tenants. Beware of prospective renters that are willing to pay well above and beyond market prices – they may be desperate because they have poor rental histories. 
</li>
<li>
Don’t set rents too low Setting rents too low may leave you vulnerable when you decide it’s time make an increase, with a big jump in the rent likely to scare away your tenants. Gradual adjustments to market value over a long period of time are more likely to go down well with your tenants than a leap at the six month mark. Be cautious about setting your rent too low to attract tenants. If your tenant is living in your property only because it is affordable, rather than desirable, they may not take good care of the property. Remember, you probably won’t hold your investment property forever. When it comes time to sell, buyers will enquire about your rental yield – and will be turned off if it is well below market value. 
</li>
<li>
Keep up with maintenance Although rental markets in certain capital cities are tight, don’t underestimate your tenants’ need for quality housing. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to provide safe, clean and well maintained housing to your tenant. Don’t be fooled into thinking you hold on the cards because you are the property’s owner – they are paying you money in exchange for the provision of a service. If you want to maintain a good relationship with your tenants and your source of income, maintain your property. Don’t dodge calls from your property manager, don’t be stingy when it comes to required repairs and if you’re choosing to maintain the property yourself, make sure you show up on time. Properties all see inevitable wear and tear, regardless of the tenant. But when renters see that you are on top of the necessary repairs, they will be more likely to take good care of your property. 
</li>
<li>
Have a good relationship with your property manager Property managers are there for every step of the tenancy process, from sourcing good tenants to keeping them happy and finally guiding them out of the home when the time comes. Your property manager should be on good terms with your tenants and work hard to keep them happy. They should be on top of any necessary maintenance issues and quick to let you know if any issues arise. Don’t have <a href="/expert-insights/investing/15011-not-all-property-managers-are-the-same" target="_blank">unrealistic expectations of your property manager</a>,  but do make sure that you are in regular contact. Unfortunately, not all property managers were created equal. Some will be easier to get into contact with than others, who never seem to be within answering distance of a phone. Make sure you <a href="/news/28735-how-to-choose-the-best-property-manager" target="_blank">choose a good property manager </a>when you purchase your investment property, and don’t be afraid to change property managers if you need to.  
</li>
<li>
Let the bad ones go  Don’t think that you have to put up with bad tenants. If your tenant is failing to pay rent or causes damage to your property, you are able to take action. Depending on the state, you may be able to immediately evict a tenant if they are causing malicious damage to your property or after two weeks if they are late on rental payments. You may also be able to evict a tenant before the end of their lease if they are <a href="/expert-insights/investing/30886-seven-signs-that-your-investment-property-is-being-used-as-a-drug-lab" target="_blank">using your property for illegal activities</a>, putting their neighbours in danger or keeping other tenants in the property without your knowledge.
</li>
</ol>
Being a good landlord isn't just the right thing to do, but will end up making you more money in the long run. If you are a reliable landlord who takes care of your property, you can retain reliable tenants who do the same.
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jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Five tips for keeping good tenants

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Sydney-based veterinarian, Yen Wong, the founder and director behind Rent With Pets, wants to match pet-friendly landlords with pet-owning tenants.
<a href="https://www.rentwithpets.com.au" target="_blank">Rent With Pets</a> is the newly launched site that provides pet-friendly listings in a similar manner to other rental websites.
“It’s a tragedy when pet owners are forced to give up their beloved pets due to the lack of pet friendly rental accommodation,” said Wong.
“Animal shelters are full of pets surrendered by people who are struggling to find pet friendly rental accommodation.”
A year ago, Property Observer reported that <a href="/news/vic/22345-friday-may-3-news-terriers-and-terraces-pet-friendly-properties-in-melbourne" target="_blank">Melburnian rentals that offer themselves as "pet-friendly" can actually achieve a higher rental return</a>.
However, Wong says that they don’t just match the tenants and the landlords and leave them to it. They work closely with landlords and property managers to set guidelines for the pets that are suitable for the properties.
Pet owners can access the site for free and, in celebration of the launch, the first 500 property managers and landlords to sign up, they can get free listings for a year.
Rent With Pets also includes information for pet owners on how to find the perfect rental, tips for applying and other useful information, such as a business directory.
YOU MIGHT ALSO WANT TO READ: Letter from the editor: <a href="/news/28226-letter-from-the-editor-the-drought-of-pet-friendly-rentals" target="_blank">The drought of pet-friendly rentals</a>
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jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

Rent With Pets offers investors a chance to list for free

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Complying with your legal obligations is crucial, regardless of whether you use a property manager or self manage your properties.
With this in mind, we're sharing 10 'must know' things from the Residential Tenancies Act in New South Wales and encouraging you to provide your own. Next week, we'll tackle Victoria.
<ol>
<li>
That the following terms are not allowed in your agreement:  - A requirement for the tenant to have the carpet professionally cleaned, or to pay for the cost of this service, at the end of the tenancy. - This may not apply if the tenant has pets. That the tenant needs any sort of specific insurance.  - That any rebate may occur if the tenant does not breach the agreement, and, on the other hand, that a tenant is liable to pay all the remaining rent, increased rent or a penalty if they breach the agreement. 
</li>
<li>
Your tenant has anti-discrimination rights.   While this can be a broad topic, you must not discriminate against tenants on the basis of your tenant's race, religion, sexual oritenation, age or any disabilities. Discrimination can be seen as broad, and may include undertaking extra inspections due to a tenant's age. 
</li>
<li>Pet bonds are not allowed. </li>
<li>
You do not have to allow sub-letting.  If a tenant is sub-letting without your consent, that is having another resident in the house pay rent to themselves, this is against the agreement. 
</li>
<li>
Tenants must be provided 60 days of written notice for a rent increase.   When 'written notice' is mentioned, you must allow time for postage if this is your intended method. It is recommended that landlords and property managers keep clear records of when notices have been sent, to avoid a breach. 
</li>
<li>
The property must be in a reasonable state of cleanliness, and it must be habitable, when provided to the tenant.   While this is a debatable point, it's largely worth remembering the state of a property you would be happy to inhabit, and emulate this. Remember to focus on making the property compliant, safe and clean. 
</li>
<li>
Tenants are required to report the need for repairs and maintenance.  They must also not make material additions or changes, such as the alteration of locks or security devices, or fly screens, without the consent of the landlord. 
</li>
<li>
There is a limit on the amount of bond you can charge a tenant. In New South Wales, this limit is up to four week's of the rent you have agreed to pay. As a landlord or property manager, a bond lodgement form is required to be provided to the tenant. 
</li>
<li>
A landlord must tell tenants 'material facts'.   These material facts include whether the home has been subject to serious flooding or bushfire in the past five years, if there are any health/safety risks or if the home has been the scene of a violent crime in the past five years. 
</li>
<li>
A tenant should be provided with a condition report. The tenant should be provided two copies, one of which is for their records, the other is for the property manager. They should be given seven days in which to complete and return this form.
</li>
</ol>
Do you have any "must know" facts from the Residential Tenancies Act? Share yours below.
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10 things you need to know about NSW's Residential Tenancies Act

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Many rely on rental investments for a low risk source of cash flow. But poor planning and bad decisions can turn your stable income stream into a financial sinkhole.
Whether you’re considering the purchase of an investment property or wondering why your rental is eating cash, avoiding these traps can minimise your costs and maximise your profits.
<ol>
<li>
Setting the rent too low or too high.  According to Terri Scheer Insurance executive manager Carolyn Parrella, before purchasing your investment property you should research extensively to determine the right rental price. “Setting the rent too high may result in limited interest from prospective tenants, leaving you out of pocket if the property remains empty for an extended period of time,” she said. “However, setting the rent too low may place you under financial pressure, limit your rental income and has the potential to attract unsuitable tenants. “Look on real estate websites and through newspaper classifieds to find listings with similar features to your property, as this will give you a guide on the rental market in that area. “If you appoint a property manager, they should be able to provide you with information on comparable properties and advise an appropriate rent for your own investment.” Remember, depending on your tenancy agreement, once tenants are signed onto the lease it may be a year before you can you change the rent. Take the time to do your research. 
</li>
<li>
Failing to monitor arrears “If a tenant falls behind in their rent, it can be a very long and costly process to resolve and could leave you considerably out of pocket,” said Parrella. “Diarise the dates that your tenant’s rental payments are due and check your bank account on those days. “If your tenant doesn’t pay on the due date, monitor your bank account on a daily basis. If they fall into arrears a breach notice should be sent for non-payment of rent,” she said. “The number of days in rental arrears before a termination notice can be sent, and the time between presenting the notice and requesting vacation varies around Australia, so it is important to be familiar with your local tenancy laws. “Regularly monitoring arrears and issuing tenants with appropriate notices promptly may help resolve issues sooner and mitigate any financial loss.” 
</li>
<li>
Attempting to self-manage a property.  Landlords may attempt to save some coin by self-managing their property, but many are often under resourced for the task and left losing money. “While it can be tempting to save a small percentage of rental income by self-managing your rental property, the benefits of appointing a property manager can far outweigh the costs,” said Parrella. “Property managers are able to conduct regular property inspections to identify maintenance issues, have systems in place to find and screen prospective tenants, and have access to databases that list tenants with a history of defaulting on rental payments, damaging property and eviction.  “If a dispute arises with a tenant, they are also familiar with the relevant legislation and can follow the correct procedures to help resolve the problem as quickly as possible.” If you don’t have the time, resources and experience to self-manage your property, a property manager is the best way to go. <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/news/28735-how-to-choose-the-best-property-manager" target="_blank">Make sure you choose a good one</a>.  
</li>
<li>
Neglecting maintenance.  Don’t let the state of your property slip away from you – unfortunately, your rental isn't a case of “set it and forget it.” Parrella noted that neglecting maintenance issues could see you liable for injuries your tenants sustain on your property. “As a landlord, once you have been alerted to maintenance issues, it is your responsibility to act on these or authorise your property manager to do so as soon as possible,” she said. “If a maintenance issue arises and you are slow to fix it, you may be legally liable if your tenant injures themselves. It is also important to ensure that all maintenance is completed properly and to appropriate standards.” 
</li>
<li>
Inadequate insurance.  Make sure you are adequately protected against lapsed rental income, damage to your assets and legal liability.  “Specialised landlord insurance cover can protect investors from many of the risks associated with owning a rental property, provide peace of mind and ease a landlord’s concerns about receiving regular rental payments if their tenant damages the property or absconds,” said Parrella. “Standard building and contents insurance policies usually don’t cover landlords for these risks. “Landlord insurance can cover property owners for malicious damage by tenants, accidental damage, legal liability for occurrences on the property that cause death or bodily injury, and loss of rental income as a result of property damage or a tenant absconding. “Even the most careful tenant can damage a property, whether accidental or otherwise. “This can be extremely costly for the landlord in terms of repairs and the loss of rental income," she said. For more information on landlord's insurance, see our <a href="https://www.urban.com.au/expert-insights/29924-landlord-insurance-what-do-you-need" target="_blank">article on the topic here</a>. 
</li>
</ol>
 
 
For more real estate traps and tips visit <a href="https://realestatetraps.com.au/">realestatetraps.com.au</a>
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

Landlords beware: five common financial traps

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<li>A tenant must be 14 or more days in rental arrears for you to begin formal eviction proceedings, which begins with a Notice to Vacate. At this point, you need to wait a further 14 days before any action can be taken. Alternative payment arrangements with either the landlord or property manager can halt this process. 
</li>
<li>You cannot lock a tenant out and personally evict them, or change the locks. The only authority that can do this is the police, and they will need to have obtained a valid Possession Order and a Warrant of Possession (from VCAT in the state of Victoria). If you try to do this, the tenant can apply for a Restraining Order and can call the police. 
</li>
<li>Tenants can put in a claim for compensation for inconvenience, loss or damages if the landlord has acted unlawfully when attempting eviction proceedings. 
</li>
<li>The tenant should still be paying you rent until the termination of the tenancy, which tends to be when they move out. 
</li>
<li>There are some instances where you can apply straight to Tribunal for a possession order, without the usual circumstance of notifying the tenant. These include, but are not limited to, serious damage to the home or neighbouring homes, injury to the landlord, agent or a neighbour by the tenant, use for illegal purposes (such as drug manufacturing) and a number of other serious circumstances. 
</li>
<li>A landlord's case can be thrown out of Tribunal if they have not abided by the rules required surrounding dates and notice periods. Be sure to know what the required number of notice days is for your particular state or territory (where the property is located) and any extra days required for postage. Keep postal receipts and clear documentation for future reference. 
</li>
<li>If a tenant tries to rectify a breach, a Tribunal may not decide to grant the termination. For instance, Tenants New South Wales notes that "If you can show that you have fixed the breach or taken steps to fix it, NCAT may decide not to end the tenancy." 
</li>
<li>Sub-letting without permission can be grounds for eviction. 
</li>
<li>You cannot dispose of a tenants' items or "goods left behind" straight away. Perishable goods and rubbish may be thrown out, however personal documents must be disposed of after 90 days notice, by returning them to the issuing authority or in another lawful manner and not in a way that makes information publicly available. Other goods require 14 days notice, and they may be sold or disposed of. You must keep a record of the goods disposed of. 
</li>
<li>The tenant will not pay the landlord's legal fees at Tribunal if they are unsuccessful, unless the Tribunal orders otherwise, such as in a case of unreasonable disruption.</li>
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10 things to know about evicting a tenant

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New residential buildings will have 12 months to make the required changes to smoke alarms.
The new Building Code of Australia (2014) will require all new smoke alarms to be interconnected when there is more than one alarm in a residential dwelling. When interconnected, if one fire alarm is triggered, the others in a home should also be activated.
Western Australia’s Building Commissioner Peter Gow has confirmed that the 12 month transition period will see the requirements coming into effect on 30 April 2015.
“Some building and electrical industry stakeholders were concerned about their ability to comply with the new requirements, so we have applied the one-year transition period that was built into our new Building Act to give the industry time to adjust their operations,” said Gow.
If dwellings are approved for construction before 1 May 2015, they will not be required to include interconnected smoke alarms. However, old dwellings will still need to have smoke alarms or heat detection alarms no older than 10 years old installed before they can be sold, transferred, hired or rented. 
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