WA Requirements
Residual-Current Device (RCD)
From 9th August 2009, sellers of residential properties will be required to have at settlement, two RCDs installed in relation to the premises. The same requirement will apply to residential premises being leased or an existing lease being renewed.
There will be an exemption to this requirement for the sale of a residential house if it is agreed by an inspector that the existing switchboard is not suitable for two RCDs e.g. Not enough space. In such a scenario the seller will only have to install one RCD.
The other exemption is where the buyer states to the seller that the residential dwelling will be demolished by a specified date. The specified date must be less than six months from the date of transfer. The seller is required to send that buyer's statement to the Director of Energy Safety.
The Regulations provide that the property can be transferred without RCDs and the buyer must then install the RCDs but that the seller is liable for the cost.
While the Regulations provide for financial penalties for breaches, it is not expected that the penalties will be enforced during the introduction period.
Smoke Detectors – Hard wired
From the 1st of October 2009 mains powered (photo electric) smoke alarms must be installed in all existing residential buildings, prior to a new tenancy agreement or sale of a residential property. No more than 10 years old
Mains powered smoke alarms are the preferred alternative for your fire safety needs, however if your building does not permit a space to conceal the wiring and there is no appropriate alternative location to install a main powered smoke alarm then a smoke alarm with a 10-year battery life will be permitted.
These requirements are in accordance with the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1960, the Local Government Act 1995 Section 9.60, and the Building Amendments Regulations 2009. Failure to install a main powered smoke alarm to your property could result in fines of up to $5,000.
For further information about smoke alarms please contact the Fire & Emergency Services Authority of Western Australia on (08) 9323 9816 or alternatively you can download their fact sheet from their website www.fesa.wa.gov.au