The NSW Government has implemented a new statewide regulatory framework for short-term rental accommodation (STRA), which includes a new planning framework, fire safety standards for STRA dwellings, and a new Government-run STRA Register. The new framework complements the mandatory Code of Conduct and changes to strata legislation made by the Department of Fair Trading.
What’s changed?
In summary, all STRA dwellings will be required to:
- Meet the new minimum standards
- Install evacuation diagrams in each bedroom and behind the main entry door
- Develop an Emergency Advice Sheet and install interconnected smoke/heat alarms
- Be registered on the Government-run STRA register to confirm compliance with the new fire safety standards.
What do you need to do?
- Smoke and heat alarms
The new legislation states that your alarms must be compliant with AS3786 and located in hallways outside bedrooms, on each storey, and installed on the ceiling. They must also be interconnected and powered by the main electricity supply or a 10 year Lithium battery. - Evacuation Diagrams
It is essential that you install Evacuation Diagrams within each bedroom, and behind the main entry door in compliance with the STRA Fire Safety Standard requirements. Evacuation diagrams show information that is essential in case of emergency. In accordance with AS3745 they must, at a minimum, show the fire equipment, designated exit points, emergency assembly points and evacuation routes. - General Emergency Advice Sheet
As part of the new legislation, STRA hosts will be required to provide short term tenants with a General Emergency Advice sheet. - Portable fire extinguishers and blankets
Whilst not a requirement for class 1a buildings, we recommend that all homes should have at least one portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket. Class 2 (residential apartment buildings) and Class 4 (STRAs that are part of a commercial complex) must have a fire blanket & fire extinguisher installed.
Our Service
BETR Fire Protection are specialists in fire safety and emergency management planning. We’ll provide you with everything you could need to meet the requirements of the STRA Fire Safety Standard, through our comprehensive compliance package:
- Smoke alarm testing and upgrade
- A Certificate of Compliance that you can use when you register your STRA online
- Emergency Advice Sheet tailored for your property
- Portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets installation
- Assessment of egress doors (for class 2 and 4 properties)
- Evacuation Diagram drafting and installation
Contact us today to talk more about your STRA and its compliance needs!