New Airbnb Fire Safety Requirements

Do you operate an Airbnb or short-term tenancy as a side hustle or small business? There’s new fire safety legislation from November 2021 that will affect you. Here’s what you need to know.

The NSW Government has recently introduced several new regulations for buildings classed as Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA), which includes Airbnbs and other holiday rentals. One of the major changes is the new Fire Safety Standards, which will come into effect from 1 November 2021.

If you’re someone who rents their dwelling out for the short term, it’s crucial that you understand what these changes mean for you. Failure to comply could lead to penalties. To help you prepare, we’ve put together this guide to navigating the new Fire Safety Standards for STRAs.

On 1 November 2021 if you rent a dwelling out for the short term you must register on the Government’s STRA register to confirm compliance, as well as ensure you have the following in place:

Smoke alarms that are compliant with AS3786 and located in hallways outside bedrooms on each story and on the ceiling – these must be interconnected and powered by mains electricity with a battery back up.
Evacuation diagrams in each bedroom and common area. In accordance with AS3745 they must, at a minimum, show the fire equipment, designated exit points, emergency assembly points and evacuation routes. They must be situated throughout common areas and general paths of travel in areas where they are easily seen.
An evacuation plan, which includes the location and contact details of the nearest hospital, fire station, and police station, emergency facilities contact details (e.g., electrician, plumber), building management details (if applicable), and a site map showing the chosen assembly area for your STRA.
At least one portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket – not all dwellings are required to have this under the STRA Fire Safety Standard, but we’d highly recommend it.

Remember – you should be compliant by 1 November 2021, so don’t delay.

Stephanie DietzSeptember 1, 2021Fire safety, emergency management, workplace health and saefty, workplace health and safety, safety101

New Airbnb Fire Safety Requirements

Do you operate an Airbnb or short-term tenancy as a side hustle or small business? There’s new fire safety legislation from November 2021 that will affect you. Here’s what you need to know.

Smoke alarms that are compliant with AS3786 and located in hallways outside bedrooms on each story and on the ceiling – these must be interconnected and powered by mains electricity with a battery back up.

At least one portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket – not all dwellings are required to have this under the STRA Fire Safety Standard, but we’d highly recommend it.