Nobzy and Gurus,
There seems to be some variation in the advice available on the web.
The LPI common property memorandum:
makes no distinction based on whether the smoke detectors were installed or not at the time of registration of the strata scheme.
The only distinction seems to be whether the smoke alarm is hard-wired to the building’s fire safety board.
The LPI CP memorandum does not necessarily applies to your SP, but it is a useful reference.
This web site makes most sense to me in terms of a rational assignment of responsibility:
https://www.stratachoice.com.au/blog/news/whoisresponsibletorepairorreplacesmokesensorsdetectors
There are three classes of smoke alarm connection:
1) Standalone (operates on battery) = Lot Owner’s responsibility.
2) Hard-wired to Lot’s electricity (but has a backup battery) = Lot Owner’s responsibility.
3) Hard-wired to building’s fire safety board (but has a long-life, possibly rechargable battery) = OC responsibility.
The reason it makes sense is that a smoke alarm screwed to the ceiling is no more likely to be common property than a light fitting screwed to the ceiling or kitchen cupboards screwed to the wall. All are Owner’s fixtures and fittings.
Regardless, a landlord is required to supply (and fit?) a new battery in each smoke alarm in their premises at the start of each lease. If you have a Property Manager that should be one of their delegated responsibilities.
$100 for a professional annual inspection doesn’t sound too expensive to me considering that it covers all smoke alarms in your residence, testing not only with the “test” button but by blowing canned ionised smoke at them, and free replacement of faulty or expired alarms, as advertised (but not necessarily endorsed) here:
https://www.smokealarmsaustralia.com.au/faq
Note: Ionisation smoke alarms only have a useful life of 10 years because the radioactive element decays (or half-decays) over time.