Should I Fire This Real Estate Agent?

Minimum chips on 11/11/2023 - 20:08

We've got a property in North Brisbane we're renting out while we live interstate for work. The agent is starting to really annoy me.

I bought the 10 year regulation-compliant smoke alarms you're supposed to get from Amazon and put them up before we moved out.

They hired Smoke Alarm Solutions to test them. The inspectors came back saying they worked but were not compliant and wanted to sell us their own instead for $620. I asked why and they said they weren't labelled properly. I got new labels from the manufacturer to fix this. The agent then went back to Smoke Alarm Solutions (unbidden) and came back to us with a bunch of stuff about how bad the alarms were - that the company was being investigated by QFES and CSIRO, were not actually compliant according to unspecified "developments and research". A lot of kind of scare-tactic stuff with no links or clear details. I decided to look into it and asked QFES and CSIRO if they actually were investigating the alarms as claimed - turns out to be a lie.

So I told the agent I'm sick of Smoke Alarm Solutions. They made me sign a form saying against their "professional advice" I wasn't using this company and all responsibility for compliance is with me. Fine. Done. I'll get someone to press the button once a year, as QFES explained that's all that actually needs to happen.

They also say this: "You will also need to provide a 24/7 contact number for any alarm issues including after hours. This number will also be supplied to your tenant." So if we don't use their buddy, we're responsible for running a smoke alarm help line. What?

Now they're saying I need to organize a new certificate, even though the inspector said the alarms had passed the actual test. QFES told me in writing: "There is no requirement for you to have your domestic smoke alarm certified by anyone, despite real estate agents and smoke alarm installers referring to the practice."

The point of having an agent was supposed to be not to have to deal with all this stuff while we start new jobs interstate. Instead I'm having to coordinate alternative inspectors, do research and investigation because the inspectors they push us so hard to use so hard turn out to be dodgy. Instead of being an advocate for us, they seem more keen on advocating for Smoke Alarm Solutions.

I do want to be compliant with the legislation, but I don't like being grifted. The alarms work fine and passed CSIRO testing. At this point the Real Estate seems both bad at leaving us alone and complicit in the grift. We've only been with them for a month; I can terminate the contract with 30 days notice.

Poll Options expired

  • 676
    Fire them.
  • 2
    Keep them.
  • 8
    You should have just paid the invoice for new alarms and not asked so many questions.
Home & Garden

Comments

  • Jolakot on 11/11/2023 - 20:11
    +75

    Get rid of them, this won't be the only rort

    • infinite on 12/11/2023 - 22:33
      +9

      Yep, they'll be targeting OP for any number of other "problems" a friendly third party associate of theirs can "fix".

    • cunningdrew on 13/11/2023 - 14:12

      Exactly. This agent has shown their hand early… move them on.

  • Fredfloresjr on 11/11/2023 - 20:17
    +56

    TLDR.

    Saw real estate agent. Ticked fire.

  • MrThing on 11/11/2023 - 20:21
    +4

    seeya later REA, typical scumbags

    I had a sorta similar experience but it was related to general maintenance, was charged almost $1000bux for a side house fence to contain a dog, the fence was only 1m tall and about 5m long total (3m one side, 2m the other side)

  • Muzeeb on 11/11/2023 - 20:30
    +17

    Fire them.

    Pardon the pun

    • UNO on 12/11/2023 - 18:40
      +1

      🔥😂🔥

  • Iwantthebestprice on 11/11/2023 - 20:32
    +7

    Get rid of them OP, teach them a lesson to not stuff you around. Pathetic service.

  • Sye on 11/11/2023 - 20:34
    +8

    wanted to sell us their own instead for $620.

    Should tell them the highest you can go is $420.

  • JimmyF on 11/11/2023 - 20:40
    +4

    I bought the 10 year regulation-compliant smoke alarms you're supposed to get from Amazon and put them up before we moved out.

    Made/Model?

    and wanted to sell us their own instead for $620

    How many and what brand/model?

    The point of having an agent was supposed to be not to have to deal with all this stuff while we start new jobs interstate

    They sound crap, get rid of them.

    • Minimum chips on 11/11/2023 - 20:51
      +5

      ANKA AJ-761.

      x5

      The ones they pitched looked like some Emerald ones that sell for about $63/ea. Ironically the only smoke alarm company listed as having a recent recall by the ACCC. The "invoice" they sent was really a brochure for the "Ultimate Subscription" and was titled as "UPGRADE REQUIRED". All the documents they send expire after a while (Docusign), so I can't go back to look at it anymore.

  • p1 ama on 11/11/2023 - 20:42
    +4

    The point of having an agent was supposed to be not to have to deal with all this stuff while we start new jobs interstate. Instead I'm having to coordinate alternative inspectors, do research and investigation because the inspectors they push us so hard to use so hard turn out to be dodgy. Instead of being an advocate for us, they seem more keen on advocating for Smoke Alarm Solutions.

    Sure, fire the REA and hire a new one instead, you may or may not end up with similar issues.

    You could do the management yourself and save on whatever the cut you're paying to the REA is. FWIW, if you don't want to "have to deal with all this stuff", you could sell up and purchase shares instead where you'll have limited liability and won't be on the hook for replacing smoke alarms.

    • Minimum chips on 11/11/2023 - 21:02
      +9

      I'd do the management myself if we were still in Brisbane, but we're not and we work a lot.

      We are only renting in NSW, don't really want to get out of the property market; and while it's currently a rental it is our own (first) home that we have quite a bit of attachment to. We may end up moving back to Brisbane and in that case would love to move back in.

      It is hard to find an agent that seems any different, especially from interstate.

      • p1 ama on 11/11/2023 - 23:09
        +12

        I'd do the management myself if we were still in Brisbane, but we're not and we work a lot.

        It's not that much work if you have good, long-standing tenants.

        If you're happy with the tenants you have now, then give the REA a boot, take over the management, and just give the tenants your email or phone number. If there are any issues, call out a tradie.

  • Dollar General on 11/11/2023 - 20:45
    -1

    How do you know a new agent will be any different?

    • Minimum chips on 11/11/2023 - 20:55

      This is the biggest thing giving me pause. They all seem pretty much the same in Brisbane. We rented for many years before buying and were stuffed around in one way or another by most of them. The company this post is about just happens to be the one we never rented from.

      We previously used another agent when we moved for work before, but they didn't return our calls when we wanted to rent out again. I liked them better but they used Smoke Alarm Solutions as well.

      • 1st-Amendment on 12/11/2023 - 09:03
        +1

        This is the biggest thing giving me pause.

        This is the nature of the industry unfortunately. Property management is not very profitable so you need a LOT of properties on your books to make it worthwhile, hence agents are always looking for ways to grift the landlords out of extra cash via scams like this.
        If you have good tenants that want to stay then I'd look at managing it yourself. From what I've read here I wouldn't be rewarding your current PM with continued business.

        • RMBC on 12/11/2023 - 09:22

          Are you aware of how much a rent roll sells for? They are very profitable unless you're not doing the bare minimum to manage them

          • 1st-Amendment on 12/11/2023 - 09:57

            @RMBC:

            Are you aware of how much a rent roll sells for?

            Depends on how many contracts you have. 1 contract isn't worth squat, and it takes a lot of effort to build a decent one up

    • rumblytangara on 11/11/2023 - 23:09
      +9

      How do you know a new agent will be any different?

      He doesn't know.

      But he does know that the current one is crap, so why should he stay with them?

      FWIW I've had two property managers (NSW) and both have been fantastic. They are not all terrible.

  • Stopback on 11/11/2023 - 20:59
    -5

    The point of having an agent was supposed to be not to have to deal with all this stuff while we start new jobs interstate

    Obviously an agent would have their own contractors etc and want to make their own cut via on sell.

    Trying to install your own alarms while great what saved you 200 and a lot of hassle. Got to let people get their cut.

    • parsimonious one on 11/11/2023 - 21:11
      +8

      The agent presumably gets their “cut “ by taking a % of the OPs rental income

    • Minimum chips on 11/11/2023 - 21:13
      +12

      I have a poll option just for this view.

      I feel like we've let them take their cut enough times. We used their overpriced bond cleaner, and let them charge $300 to fix a balcony door. Between that and the:
      $150.00 Professional photography
      $129.00 Smoke Alarm Solutions Annual Subscription
      $202.40 Management Fee
      $215.00 Advertising Fee
      $632.50 Let Fee
      I feel like we've been taken for enough.

      Honestly I'd take the hit - $280 for the original alarms + $620 for new ones installed - if they didn't use such a shameless sales pitch when saying there was an issue. The invoice they sent was a brochure for the "Smoke Alarm Solutions Ultimate Subscription". And if they hadn't lied and used scare tactics when I pushed back. That was mostly Smoke Alarm Solutions, but the agents seems complicit.

    • Malik Nasser on 11/11/2023 - 21:18
      +37

      Rewarding this type of behavior by letting it slide only propagates the issue.
      If everyone stood up to this and held them to account by taking their business elsewhere, it would run these cowboys out of town.
      Put your foot down, and move on to another agent.

      • Kangal on 12/11/2023 - 17:42
        -2

        If everyone took their business elsewhere, but all the alternatives were grifters too. Well nothing would change. It would continue and probably get worse over time. That's called a captive market, and the ideas of free-market capitalism does not apply.

        Just look at the Thames Water issue happening in the UK. The government privatised and sold the rights. Shortly after the prices went up and the quality went down. All to flatten the middleman, who don't even live there. They're swimming and drinking sewage water, paying through the roof, all because the politicians sold a lie to the public that "competition" would make it cheaper AND better. But the opposite happened. It's not too different to the Brexit problem that the British are now experiencing, as their economy slips and the lies the politicians spun gets uncovered.

        • Malik Nasser on 12/11/2023 - 19:08

          But in the REA example, are all alternatives grifters?
          There is much more competition in this market than the example you have given.
          I don't know anything about the UK issue, but I wouldn't expect that many entities purchases the water rights, so less competition.
          Based on my limited knowledge, I would see this as a commodity vs monopoly type example. Also the barriers for entry in REA is low compared to the UK water issue.

        • rumblytangara on 12/11/2023 - 21:04
          +2

          If everyone took their business elsewhere, but all the alternatives were grifters too. Well nothing would change. It would continue and probably get worse over time. That's called a captive market, and the ideas of free-market capitalism does not apply.

          Just look at the Thames Water issue happening in the UK. The government privatised and sold the rights. Shortly after the prices went up and the quality went down.

          Congratulations, you are comparing a natural monopoly to a market with close to zero barriers to entry and tens of thousands of suppliers.

          Need to revisit Economics 101.

          • Kangal on 12/11/2023 - 21:57
            -1

            @rumblytangara: You don't need conspiracy when the parties interests all align. Whilst not ALL of REA are scum or grifters (i think)… but there's probably most that do. It's a way to understand and explain the phenomenon.

            • rumblytangara on 12/11/2023 - 22:06

              @Kangal: I was referring to this comment.

              That's called a captive market, and the ideas of free-market capitalism does not apply.

              Captive markets apply to monopolies or oligopolies. The market for property managers is practically the opposite.

  • garbagetnt on 11/11/2023 - 21:20
    +2

    all signs of bad practises - I've dealt with really bad agents to smell one from an internet away.
    once I was even lied that the tenant had resigned contract earlier, then when I finally pushed for the signed contract - it was dated same day I received it.

  • hasher22 on 11/11/2023 - 21:23
    +2

    Bye bye REA…..

  • localhost on 11/11/2023 - 21:30
    +5

    Just told them you won't change anything. That's it. If they want to take any legal action, ask them to send papers to your lawyer (wife's phone :) ).
    The only thing you can change is… REA agent.

  • 2jzzzz on 11/11/2023 - 22:06

    Surely another tester you can engage.

    But really, you dont need to have them checked every year?

    • Minimum chips on 11/11/2023 - 22:15
      +3

      I could arrange and pay for another inspector, but they actually tested fine so I don't see why I should have to. They want me to arrange someone to come in and do a new compliance certificate for them, which isn't a legal requirement, it's just something they like. They also have made it clear that they won't have anything to do with the alarms because we're not using Smoke Alarm Solutions, so I don't know why they want to hold the certificate.

      It would probably just be $100 but I'm pretty sick of dealing with it. I work 0700-1700, so I have very limited windows to arrange anything.

      QFES says "During a tenancy in a domestic dwelling, the tenant must test and clean each smoke alarm in the dwelling, at least once every 12 months.", so I can get an inspector or just ask the tenant to do it in a year.

      • mhz on 14/11/2023 - 08:20

        Wait, so annual testing on smoke alarms is not a legal requirement in QLD? I also have a property in QLD I rent out and I have been paying for annual testing for the past 4 years. I was told it was a legal requirement to do so.

  • angywoo on 11/11/2023 - 22:16
    +4

    They also say this: "You will also need to provide a 24/7 contact number for any alarm issues including after hours. This number will also be supplied to your tenant."

    Simple: Give the RE agents number..

    • Minimum chips on 11/11/2023 - 22:41
      +7

      There's no way this is a normal requirement of property owners who don't use a smoke alarm inspection company. I think they just put that in there to discourage people from signing the form, to retain customers for the inspectors.

      • MetaphorOZB on 13/11/2023 - 13:03

        You're being grifted. Had this happen to someone I knew - the REA was making up things that were broken and then getting someone in to fix it. The REA and handyman were both supposedly in on it.

  • Benoffie on 11/11/2023 - 22:43
    +8

    Dump them and report them for kick backs. Clearly thats what's happening.

  • skid on 11/11/2023 - 22:54
    +4

    The REA cbf pressing the button once a year. They'd prefer if you would "subscribe" to "Smoke Alarm Solutions" for $99/year to press the button for them.

  • paulojr on 11/11/2023 - 23:09
    +8

    Sounds like storied we heard about Peter Leahy real estate who had a similar thing going with the same company? I any case find a more trustworthy agent that does not deal with compliance companies period.

    Key points
    1. Smoke Alarm Solutions is known to be dodgy! Same with epic inspections, stay clear of both, and also detector inspector.
    2. You can (and should) test the alarm yourself, and an alarm kit (2) should cost about $30.
    3. No report is required for smoke alarms (the job is to install them correctly not to report on them)
    4. Non compliance isn't a thing for smoke alarms, that only applies to gas or electrical
    5. Probably half of homes are non compliance (as per my discussion with the VBA) and all you need to do is let the tenant see the report, nothing more.

    I feel your pain, been through this multiple times, but arm yourself with facts and do what is logical!

    Put the time in to finding another agent too, ask lots of questions, get reference checks done. You need someone that can prove they are trustworthy as the market is currently swamped with bad agents, and even companies trying to build offshore models that provide no value whatsoever to landlords.

    • 0 jingle 0 on 15/11/2023 - 14:59

      Non compliance not being a thing for smoke alarms is a load of rubbish. The BCA and Australian standards outline installation requirements for all classes of buildings, NSW also has requirements for short term rentals. Additionally, if the building class requires an AFSS and the fire safety schedule includes smoke alarms then someone accredited needs to sign off on the compliance annually. I understood NSW was one of the least restrictive, perhaps not.

      One would assume that the smoke alarms are installed correctly, but you’d be surprised. You can absolutely test and maintain your own detectors and once the installation is confirmed as compliant, then that’s all that needs to be done because the installation should change. You do have to keep an eye on the manufacture date though as over 10 years they are non-compliment. If they last that long.

  • Stewardo on 12/11/2023 - 00:57
    -1

    Maybe it’s a compliance issue?
    Property management is unqualified to assess legal, fire risk and insurance implications.
    They palm all fire compliance issues off to a contractor.
    OP complains about REA, bought some smoke alarms off Amazon, should be fine, why can’t 19 yr old PM just go along with that? Must be a scam they are running!
    Are the Amazon smoke alarms hard wired to the house?

    • Minimum chips on 12/11/2023 - 08:28
      +9

      They're battery powered, same as the "Upgrade" they offered. The ones I put up were offered for installation by another smoke alarm installation business at the time. I chose to install them myself because it's really, really easy and I was still living in the house at the time.

      The PM is not a teenager. I expect them to act in my interest, even if it means I don't use their preferred supplier - and their supplier lied to both me and the REA about the necessity of new alarms. The PM unquestioningly sent me an invoice to sign for new alarms without even an explanation of why it was required - and it turns out it wasn't.

      If they were taking any responsibility for the smoke alarms I'd be fine with them wanting a certificate. But because I didn't want to use Smoke Alarm Solutions, they made me sign a thing saying they would take no responsibility whatsoever for anything to do with the alarms - to the point where they vacate their usual responsibilities if the smoke alarms are involved. It's not clear why they want to hold a certificate then, especially since there is no legal requirement for a compliance certificate. QFES wrote: "Smoke alarm installers do not hold any specific qualifications in relation to domestic smoke alarms, other than an electrical licence to do mains electrical work. Therefore any opinion they provide you in the form of a certificate of compliance is just that, and does not defer your obligation under legislation."

      Insurance (including legal liability) and smoke alarm compliance is my responsibility even if I use a company to install or inspect.

      Probably they just have a checklist item to tick which is why they're still bothering me about this. But I'm sick of being bothered.

      • 0 jingle 0 on 15/11/2023 - 15:20

        QFES wrote: "Smoke alarm installers do not hold any specific qualifications in relation to domestic smoke alarms, other than an electrical licence to do mains electrical work. Therefore any opinion they provide you in the form of a certificate of compliance is just that, and does not defer your obligation under legislation."

        That’s sad. There is absolutely an expectation that any electrician installing a smoke alarm has a reasonable understanding of the standards that apply, and need to be taken along with the electrical standard. They are usually even referenced in the box, on those instructions no one reads

  • payless69 on 12/11/2023 - 04:32

    Two large firns started with an all included $99 a year contract system.
    Even they have gone up to $129 it is far from properly covering clumsy QLD regulation costs.
    Industry self regulation has always been a dog that caused more issues than solutions.
    So a one off electrician call out has no real cost control.

    • AustriaBargain on 12/11/2023 - 11:53

      Wouldn't inflation over the last few years explain that increase?

      • payless69 on 12/11/2023 - 17:17
        -2

        Partially.
        Getting a sparkie to lift his best part in communist qld is another story!

        • AustriaBargain on 12/11/2023 - 18:13
          +2

          I had heard somewhere that tradies in Queensland are much stricter with standards than some other states, now that you mention it. Or more like the other way around, other states are much more lax and sloppy when it comes to construction sites anyway.

  • Noblejoker on 12/11/2023 - 11:30
    +10

    The REA will almost certainly be on a commission / kickback from this firm
    Hence why they are so pushy - self interest
    I see this often with Strata Managers and insurance - stumping for the company that pays kickbacks

  • susannetsv on 12/11/2023 - 11:56
    +1

    The problem if you fire them is the property condition report. I had thought of doing the same thing but unless they are happy to hand over the condition report when the tenants moved in (or maybe you have a copy) or ask for a copy before firing them . If you switch agents part way through the lease the new agent may say any damage happened before they started managing the property. I think it’s better to wait until the lease expires then get a new agent and a new condition report so the agent has to be responsible for having any damage repaired.

    • rumblytangara on 12/11/2023 - 19:39

      The problem if you fire them is the property condition report.

      I get regular reports from mine. PDF document with loads of photos. I have never asked for a report.

    • gromit on 12/11/2023 - 23:09
      +2

      If you have an agent hiding all that from u then you are in as desperate need of a new REA as tge OP

  • FatGPT on 12/11/2023 - 13:13

    Time for a new agent

  • Dreamcast on 12/11/2023 - 16:04
    +1

    Sell the house and move country.

    Seriously, fire them for blowing smoke up your arse.

  • Drakesy on 12/11/2023 - 16:55
    +7

    Literally scum of the earth.

    REA's much like car salesman literally do nothing to value add.
    I wonder if there's a case for fraudulent/unconscionable conduct. Likely could get a refund if they weren't acting in your best interests.

  • Herbse on 12/11/2023 - 19:07
    +7

    I didn't read any of the text. But every rea should be fired. No one needs them.

  • Deridas on 12/11/2023 - 20:54

    I wonder if the REA gets kickbacks from "Smoke Alarm Solutions"…

    • May4th on 12/11/2023 - 21:05
      +5

      of course they do, REA get kickbacks from all their contractors

      • baskinghobo on 12/11/2023 - 21:40
        +4

        Are kickbacks also the reason why REAs demand to test my smoke alarms every 6 months?

  • May4th on 12/11/2023 - 21:06
    +4

    Ha.. ha nice try. This is good for you, take out the rubbish early and switch REA ASAP. make sure you leave them a google review detailing the facts only so they can't threaten you with defamation

  • fredk1000 on 12/11/2023 - 21:14
    +1

    Smoke them.

  • Kranbone on 12/11/2023 - 21:40
    +2

    There are good PMs and bad PMs.

    I'd ask the following to the PM/REA

    1// Do they receive any incentive (be it financial, or otherwise) for partnering with Smoke Alarm Solutions.
    2// Explain you're happy to comply with regulations, but don't want to use Smoke Alarm Solutions and want to use a legal and compliant alternative.
    3// If you have the concerns from Smoke Alarm Solutions in writing, go back to the manufacturer of the alarm with the concerns and let the manufacturer. This could result in the manufacturer either addressing any valid concerns or encouraging Smoke Alarm Solutions to stop shit talking about the product.

    EDIT: Just checked the reviews for Smoke Alarm Solutions on google which is absolutely shocking… I'd heavily question why the REA/PM is using this company as it goes against sound logic.

  • Poor Ass on 12/11/2023 - 22:56
    +3

    OP I know exactly what you are going through and Smoke Alarm Solutions are total shits. Before the interconnecting smoke alarms kicked in they were putting labels on top of the replace by XXXX year also they don't always check the battery too and sign off on it. Once they signed off and couple months later and the low battery beep occured which shows they didn't do shit.

    I did hear when they just started was good but they must of been bought out or grew too big and don't care anymore

    Agents seems to love them. Maybe the kick backs are too good.

    Good thing I have found better PM and electricians now

  • SlickMick on 13/11/2023 - 00:12

    Fire them…. but the problem is, you'll either have to manage yourself, or replace with another REA.

    Oh for a REA that would act as my agent rather than charging me a fee to outsource their responsibilities to someone else.

  • DoctorCalculon on 13/11/2023 - 01:33

    Next thing you know they will be pimping out their own plumbers for minor issues, and charge you an exorbitant fee.

  • DrScavenger on 13/11/2023 - 07:52

    As a tenant I always disliked REAs more than landlords….

  • dontboopthesnoot on 13/11/2023 - 11:03

    Any licensed electrician should be able to inspect the smoke alarm and give you a certificate.

  • splicer on 13/11/2023 - 11:05
    +1

    Plot twist:

    His mate works in the Smoke Alarm company that he wanted you to use.

  • kiitos on 13/11/2023 - 12:45

    What's involved in changing agents? How long would it take?

    I guess the bond isn't affected, the tenants need new details to pay rent to and contact, are there inspections at the time of charging agents?

  • realaaa on 13/11/2023 - 13:25
    +1

    well mate to be fair, you're part of this whole pyramid !

    so I understand the frustration - but basically everyone in this scheme are trying to make money, and you're not the one actually paying right?

    all funded in the end by poor bugger renting

    who would have thought it will turn into this!

    that being said, yeah I'd agree - the agent's job is to make things better & easier for you, not allow the supplier to make money of you and your tenant

    • Heaps for Cheaps on 14/11/2023 - 09:43
      +2

      I don't know why the neg votes, probably YouFoodz racists…

      But at the end of the day the renter will eat the cost… So it costs you 1k a year… Well, raise your rent $30 a week.

      What are they going to do, leave? Where to? With what money, they haven't got the cash to pay for a removalist and certainly not able to have a months bond in advance. ahahahah

      TL;DR Why end the game of monopoly when you have the properties? Just let the tenants keep on playing, going round and round and collecting that $200 every time they pass GO, because it will go to you, anyway.

      As for the agent, say 'F YOU! DO YOUR JOB, ANSWER THE EMERGENCY CALLS'

  • TSH on 13/11/2023 - 14:38

    Nice to see terms like "kickbacks" and "grifting" being used here to legitimise OP taking it up the a$$

  • Papa Huggies on 13/11/2023 - 16:43
    -1

    That's why I took out all the smoke alarms in my home.

    I KNOW they don't work!

  • Homr on 13/11/2023 - 20:40
    +3

    Name & Shame

  • CowFrogHorse on 14/11/2023 - 09:17

    Who would have guessed the parasite trade of being a real estate isnt about wanting money for doing basically nothing.

    THeir entire business is basically a scam, they want thousands of dollars, for opening a door a few times and copy pasting a standard template description of a home onto their websites…and you wonder why they are doing what you say.

  • Heaps for Cheaps on 14/11/2023 - 09:40
    +1

    "They also say this: "You will also need to provide a 24/7 contact number for any alarm issues including after hours. This number will also be supplied to your tenant." So if we don't use their buddy, we're responsible for running a smoke alarm help line. What?"

    Give them there own number, that's their job.

  • patso on 14/11/2023 - 11:00
    +1

    Power to the people!

  • metallum on 14/11/2023 - 13:32
    +1

    You need to "Manage" your property manager. They are there to work for you, and follow your instructions if legal.

    They made me sign a form saying against their "professional advice" I wasn't using this company and all responsibility for compliance is with me.

    The responsibility was always with you anyway. If the place burns down, your who they are coming after first. If your alarms meet all requirements, as per https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance-and-… you have nothing to worry about.

    There is no legislative responsibility to have a company "test" the alarm, can be done by anyone. PM often push it onto these type of companies, as its a perceived safety check, and the stigma around a house fire. These type of services are optional, If your PM wont accept that, find one that will.

  • CowFrogHorse on 14/11/2023 - 14:58
    +1

    Everyone wants to be a manager, aka parasite who gets paid as if the working 24/7/365 for doing basically nothing in reality.

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