The New Zealand Building Code requires that all new houses and all existing houses undergoing alteration have smoke alarms installed. Domestic smoke alarms must be Type 1, which has:
- a hush button so the alarm can be cleared without shutting off power (i.e. by removing the battery)
- a test button.
Smoke alarms are compulsory in all new construction, and a law change in May 2016 requires all rental properties to be fitted with smoke alarms from 1 July 2019. Alarms must be the 10-year, long-life models. While landlords are required to install smoke alarms, the law places the responsibility on tenants to ensure alarms are kept in working order. This includes replacing batteries.
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