Terms and Conditions

In these Terms and Conditions, “SATS”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to Smoke Alarm Testing Services (NZ) Limited (Company Number: 3757643). Your access to and use of all information on this website, including the purchase of our products and services, is provided subject to the following Terms and Conditions. 

SATS may, at its discretion, amend these Terms and Conditions from time to time, and your use of the website or our services following any amendment will represent your agreement to be bound by these Terms and Conditions as amended. We recommend that each time you access our website, you read these Terms and Conditions. 

Client and Authority 

For the purposes of these Terms and Conditions, the Client means the person, company, property owner, or real estate agency requesting, authorising, or arranging SATS services. 

Where a real estate agency engages SATS on behalf of a property owner, the agency represents and warrants that it has authority to instruct SATS and accept these Terms and Conditions on behalf of the property owner. 

The Client remains responsible for all service fees, charges, and compliance instructions issued by SATS unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

Free Alarm Installation & Replacement Policy 

As part of our commitment to safety, SATS offers the installation of up to four (4) standard non-interconnected smoke alarms free of charge during the first visit to a property enrolled in an annual service that includes free alarms. This offer applies only to alarms required to meet legislative requirements. 

If more than four (4) alarms are required, or if an alarm is requested that is not required for compliance, including but not limited to alarm type, power source, or brand, an additional fee will apply based on standard pricing. 

For the duration of the subscription, SATS will install or replace any faulty or expired smoke alarms required for compliance at no additional charge. However, if more than four (4) alarms are required, or if an alarm is requested that is not required for compliance, an additional fee will apply based on standard pricing. 

Any alarms that are removed, damaged, tampered with, or destroyed after a SATS visit and require replacement will incur an additional fee based on standard pricing. 

SATS may, at its discretion, amend this policy from time to time. Continued use of our services constitutes acceptance of any such amendments. 

Batteries 

As part of our service, SATS replaces all standard batteries in smoke alarms where replaceable. All new standard batteries installed are tested to ensure they have adequate charge and at least 12 months of battery life, as determined by the expiry date printed on the battery. 

SATS deems a standard smoke alarm battery to be a 9-volt battery. SATS uses either a general heavy-duty or alkaline 9-volt battery in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

If batteries other than a standard 9-volt battery are required, an additional charge will apply. This includes any non-standard batteries required for alarm wall controllers. 

Unlimited Visits Policy 

When a SATS service includes unlimited visits, these visits are strictly limited to those necessary to meet compliance requirements in accordance with applicable legislation while the property is covered by an active SATS service agreement. This includes visits to ensure that smoke alarms installed or maintained by SATS are tested and maintained to remain compliant. 

Unlimited visits do not apply to: 

• requests for non-compliance-related matters; 
• properties located outside a 30 km radius of the agency; 
• any other discretionary visits initiated by the Client; 
• tenant misuse, interference, or tampering; 
• alarms removed or damaged after inspection; 
• alarms installed, modified, or repaired by third parties; 
• re-attendance required following third-party rectification. 

If a qualified tradesperson has attended the property, including for an emergency call-out, they are responsible for ensuring compliance with the work they performed. SATS will not re-attend to certify or make compliant work completed by another tradesperson. 

Additional fees may apply for visits outside the scope of compliance services. 

Bedroom Count 

According to the 2018 census data, 92% of homes in New Zealand have four (4) or fewer bedrooms. Any house with more than four (4) bedrooms may incur additional charges due to the increased number of alarms and batteries required. 

Situations Requiring Two Technicians 

To prioritise the safety of our field staff, clients, and tenants, there may be situations where we need to deploy two technicians for certain property inspections. In such cases, an additional fee of $150.00 per inspection will apply. This fee will be billed after the visit is completed. 

The decision to require a two-technician visit will be based on an on-site risk assessment. A two-technician team may be necessary for various reasons, including but not limited to: 

• high ceilings where the fall risk exceeds 2 metres; 
• access limitations within the building that require additional manpower; 
• aggressive or dangerous tenants; 
• client requests for a two-technician visit. 

Working at Height and Access Limitations 

Smoke Alarm Testing Services technicians carry standard ladders suitable for accessing smoke alarms installed in typical residential ceiling heights. 

Certain property designs or smoke alarm installation locations may require specialised access equipment or additional safety controls to allow safe inspection and servicing. 

Smoke alarms are sometimes installed in locations that require specialised access equipment or working at height safety controls. The location of smoke alarms within the property is determined by building design, legislation, or the original installer, and is outside the control of Smoke Alarm Testing Services. Where alarm locations require additional safety measures to access, additional service fees may apply to allow the work to be carried out safely and in accordance with applicable health and safety obligations and safe work practices. 

SATS technicians will only perform work where safe access can be achieved in accordance with applicable health and safety requirements and safe work practices. Following a risk assessment, SATS may determine that additional safety measures are required to safely complete the service. This may include the use of specialised access equipment and/or the attendance of additional technicians. 

(i) Working at Height Safety Fee 

Where SATS determines that additional safety measures are required due to ceiling height, installation location, or access limitations, a Working at Height Safety Fee of $150 will apply. 

This fee covers the additional safety controls required to comply with health and safety obligations, including specialised access equipment and/or additional personnel required to safely complete the service. 

(ii) Relocation of Smoke Alarms 

Where reasonably practicable, SATS will attempt to relocate the smoke alarm to a safer and more accessible location to reduce the need for specialised access and minimise the likelihood of additional charges during future visits. 

(iii) Safety and Re-attendance 

SATS reserves the right to refuse or decline attendance or re-attendance where the ceiling height, alarm location, or property conditions are deemed unsafe for our technicians. 

In such circumstances, SATS may recommend that the smoke alarm be relocated or that a third-party contractor specialising in working at height be engaged to carry out the work safely. 

(iv) Restricted or Hazardous Access Locations 

Smoke alarms installed in locations that present increased safety risks or restricted access may require specialised equipment or alternative access arrangements. This may include, but is not limited to, alarms installed above stair voids, vaulted or raked ceilings, high entryways, or other areas where safe ladder placement is not possible. 

Where SATS determines that safe access cannot be achieved using standard equipment or procedures, SATS reserves the right to decline or postpone the service until appropriate safety measures or specialist access equipment can be arranged. 

Any additional safety measures or specialist access requirements may incur additional service fees. 

(v) Safe Ladder Use 

SATS technicians will only use ladders and access equipment in accordance with manufacturer specifications and applicable health and safety requirements. Ladders cannot be used in locations where safe placement, stabilisation, or fall protection requirements cannot be achieved. 

Service Area 

SATS services many major cities and small towns throughout New Zealand. However, SATS may, at its discretion, decline work in areas that we do not actively service on a routine basis. 

For properties outside our usual service area, SATS may choose, at its discretion, to provide services. However, an additional travel fee will apply. The fee amount will depend on the distance and will be communicated to the Client before the service is scheduled. 

For work performed for real estate agencies that are active clients, SATS may, at its discretion, only service properties located within a 30 km radius of the agency’s address. For properties outside this service area, an additional travel fee may apply, and SATS reserves the right to decline the request without liability. 

Property Access 

The Client must ensure that SATS technicians are provided with safe and reasonable access to the property at the scheduled time of service. 

Where access cannot be obtained, or where conditions at the property prevent the safe completion of the service, including but not limited to locked premises, aggressive animals, unsafe conditions, or refusal of entry by occupants, SATS reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the service. Additional service fees may apply for repeat attendance where access was not available at the scheduled visit. 

Occupant Behaviour 

SATS reserves the right to discontinue or postpone a service where a technician reasonably believes that their health, safety, or wellbeing may be at risk, including situations involving aggressive occupants, unsafe conditions, or refusal of reasonable access. 

Where a service cannot be completed due to occupant behaviour or unsafe conditions, additional attendance fees may apply for a future visit. 

Asbestos-Containing Material 

Exposure to asbestos fibres carries the potential for severe, life-threatening illnesses. Our technicians will not undertake the removal or relocation of alarms already installed on surfaces likely to contain asbestos-containing material. 

Where SATS identifies a surface that may contain asbestos-containing material, we will make reasonable efforts to identify an alternative surface for attaching the alarm in order to avoid disturbance. If this is not possible, we will seek an alternative solution to achieve compliance for the property. 

If our service cannot be carried out due to the presence of asbestos-containing material, SATS will communicate with the real estate agency or Client, remove the property from our service, and no charges will be incurred for that attendance. 

Properties with Fire Panels or Integrated Smoke Alarm Systems 

SATS technicians do not test or maintain integrated smoke alarm systems or fire panels. Responsibility for the maintenance and testing of such systems typically rests with a qualified third party designated by the building’s strata manager or property owner. 

For properties with fire panels or integrated systems, SATS will provide a Service Report as a record of our attendance. The Service Report is intended to provide information about the smoke alarms or detectors within the property at the time of the inspection but does not constitute a Statement of Compliance. 

The standard service fee will apply for this attendance, inspection, and preparation of the Service Report. 

Property Compliance Responsibility 

SATS provides inspection, testing, maintenance, and installation services to assist property owners and managers in meeting applicable smoke alarm legislation. 

Responsibility for ensuring that a property complies with all applicable building, electrical, and fire safety regulations ultimately remains with the property owner and/or managing agent. 

Where SATS identifies that a property does not meet current legislative requirements, SATS will notify the Client and may provide recommendations or a quotation for any work required to achieve compliance. Any rectification work required to bring the property into compliance may incur additional service fees. 

SATS will not be liable for any non-compliance arising from pre-existing installations, building design, electrical systems, third-party work, or conditions outside SATS’ control. 

Third-Party Installations or Modifications 

Where smoke alarms or alarm systems have been installed, modified, or repaired by a third party, SATS does not accept responsibility for the performance, compliance, or condition of those installations. 

Where defects or compliance issues arise from third-party work, SATS may provide recommendations or quotations to rectify the issue. SATS will not be liable for any deficiencies arising from work performed by others. 

Tampering or Damage to Smoke Alarms 

SATS will not be liable for any damage, removal, tampering, or interference with smoke alarms that occurs after a service visit has been completed. 

Where smoke alarms have been removed, damaged, or altered by tenants, occupants, contractors, or other third parties, SATS may charge additional fees for the replacement, reinstallation, or repair of alarms required to restore compliance. 

Smoke Alarm Warranty (Product and Workmanship) 

(i) Non-Interconnected Properties (Under Current Subscription with SATS) 

SATS will install and replace any faulty or expired alarms required for compliance. 

Any alarms requested to be installed or replaced that are not required for compliance will incur a charge based on standard pricing. 

Any alarms that are removed, damaged, or tampered with after a SATS visit that require replacement will incur a charge based on standard pricing. 

(ii) Non-Interconnected Properties (Not Under Current Subscription with SATS) 

If SATS has installed the alarms, SATS will attend and replace any faulty alarms within 12 months of the date of installation. Once 12 months from installation has passed, the owner may seek warranty directly from the manufacturer, or SATS can provide a quote to replace or repair alarms to ensure the property is compliant. 

If SATS serviced the property but did not install the alarms, SATS can provide a quote to replace or repair alarms to ensure the property is compliant. 

(iii) Interconnected Properties (Under Current Subscription with SATS) 

If SATS installed the alarms, SATS will replace faulty and/or expired alarms. 

If alarms are damaged or missing, SATS will replace the alarms at the time of the visit to ensure the property is left compliant, with standard pricing applying where relevant. 

If alarms have been installed by a third party, SATS will not install any alarms and will contact the agency or owner to seek further instructions. 

Agency or owner options: 

• contact the original installer to have the alarms repaired or replaced; 
• request a quote from SATS to replace or repair alarms to ensure compliance. 

Re-attendance by SATS after third-party rectification is not covered under unlimited visits required for compliance. 

(iv) Interconnected Properties (Not Under Current Subscription with SATS) 

If SATS installed the alarms, SATS will attend and replace any faulty alarms within 12 months of the date of installation. Once 12 months from installation has passed, the owner may seek warranty directly from the manufacturer. SATS will not attend to remove or install alarms outside the agreed service arrangement. 

SATS will not attend for any reported damaged or missing alarms that SATS originally installed unless separately engaged to do so. 

If SATS does attend the property and finds the alarm to be damaged, a fee will be charged for attendance and for replacement of the alarm or alarms, based on standard pricing. 

Agency or owner options: 

• SATS can provide a quote to replace or repair alarms to ensure the property is compliant; 
• the agency or owner may contact the manufacturer directly to obtain a product warranty; 
• the agency or owner may refer the matter to the current alternate supplier. 

Warranty Limitation 

SATS product warranties apply only to defects in materials or workmanship of alarms supplied and installed by SATS. 

Warranty does not apply to alarms that have been damaged, altered, removed, tampered with, or affected by electrical faults, environmental conditions, misuse, tenant interference, or third-party work. 

After-Hours Assistance and Service Availability 

SATS provides a 24/7 call centre to assist with beeping alarms and related enquiries. While our team is available to offer guidance at any time, on-site attendance is limited to our standard working hours of 7.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. 

SATS does not operate as an emergency service and will not attend jobs outside these hours. Clients requiring urgent assistance outside working hours may need to seek alternative emergency services. SATS will not be liable for, and will not reimburse, any costs relating to such call-outs. 

Honoured Subscriptions from Other Suppliers 

SATS may choose to honour a subscription initiated by another supplier to facilitate the smooth transition of a property to SATS services. 

If the subscription is subsequently cancelled and SATS has not previously invoiced the property directly, SATS reserves the right to issue an invoice equal to the annual subscription fee. This applies where a physical inspection or service has been carried out during the honoured period. 

Where smoke alarms have been installed by SATS during the honoured subscription period, SATS also reserves the right to charge for the cost of those alarms in addition to the annual fee, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

Cancellation After Service Attendance 

Where SATS has attended a property and performed any inspection, testing, installation, or compliance-related service, the service will be deemed completed and chargeable, regardless of whether the Client subsequently cancels the service agreement or transfers the property to another provider. 

If a service agreement is cancelled after SATS has attended the property, SATS reserves the right to issue an invoice for the services performed, including any installed smoke alarms, equipment, or labour associated with the visit. 

Where smoke alarms or equipment supplied by SATS remain installed at the property following cancellation, SATS may charge the Client the standard retail cost of those alarms or equipment, unless otherwise agreed in writing. 

Non-Standard Service Conditions 

SATS service pricing is based on standard residential property conditions and typical installation environments. 

Where a property presents non-standard conditions, additional work, specialised equipment, extended service time, or additional technicians may be required to safely and effectively complete the service. 

Examples of non-standard conditions include, but are not limited to: 

• unusually high ceilings; 
• restricted or hazardous access; 
• alarms installed in difficult locations; 
• properties with more than the standard number of bedrooms; 
• properties requiring additional alarms to achieve compliance; 
• tenant interference or unsafe conditions. 

Where non-standard conditions apply, additional service fees may apply. SATS will make reasonable efforts to notify the Client where such charges arise. 

Changes to Legislation 

Smoke alarm legislation and compliance requirements may change from time to time. SATS will make reasonable efforts to update its services to align with legislative requirements; however, SATS will not be liable for any costs associated with legislative changes that require additional alarms, upgrades, or modifications to existing installations. 

Any additional work required to meet updated legislation may incur additional charges. 

Compliance and Reporting 

Any Statement of Compliance or Service Report issued by SATS reflects the condition of the smoke alarms at the time of inspection only. 

SATS does not guarantee that the property will remain compliant after the inspection due to factors outside SATS’ control, including tenant interference, electrical faults, or subsequent alterations to the property. 

SATS may record inspection results, photographs, and service information electronically as part of its compliance reporting process. These electronic records may be retained by SATS and relied upon as evidence of service completion, inspection results, and property conditions at the time of attendance. 

Our Website Services 

Our services are provided to adults over the age of eighteen (18) years. By proceeding to purchase through our website, you acknowledge that you are over 18 years of age. 

Prices are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and are exclusive of GST except where otherwise noted. If you have placed an order and we do not have sufficient stock to fulfil your order, we reserve the right to cancel your order should our prices change. 

Product Descriptions 

We strive to ensure that our products are described as accurately as possible on our website; however, we do not warrant that the description is accurate. Where we become aware of any incorrect description, we reserve the right to correct any error or omission without notice. 

Images are provided for illustrative purposes only and we do not guarantee that any image will reproduce in true colour or accurately portray the full design or options relating to that product. 

Product Orders 

Our products are for sale to adults over the age of eighteen (18) years. By proceeding to purchase through our website, you acknowledge that you are over 18 years of age. 

We endeavour to ensure that our product list is current; however, we give no undertaking as to the availability of any product advertised on our website. 

Please contact us for a current price list. We reserve the right to amend our prices at any time. 

Packaging and postage are additional charges, calculated at the time of purchase. 

When you order from us, we require you to provide your name, address for delivery, email address, telephone contact, and credit card details. We undertake to take due care with this information; however, by providing us with such information you accept that we are not liable for its misuse due to error in transmission or virus or malware. 

We undertake to accept or reject your order within seven (7) days. If we have not responded to you within seven (7) days, your offer is deemed to be rejected. We are not required to give reasons for rejecting your offer to purchase. 

Once you have submitted an order, you may not cancel that order even if our acceptance or rejection of your offer is still pending. 

Delivery of your ordered products will be as set out on our website. Title to the goods passes to you when we have received payment. Our terms of payment are set out on the order page. 

All risk of loss or damage to the goods passes to you when we despatch the goods. 

Product Returns 

We undertake to reimburse you for any product delivered to you that is faulty or damaged. If you wish to return a faulty or damaged product, you must notify us through our designated contact page where we set out our requirements relating to return of such goods. 

If we are unable at the time of return to replace or exchange returned goods, we undertake to reimburse your credit card for the amount initially debited for the purchase including packaging and postage charges. 

Site Access 

When you visit our website, we give you a limited licence to access and use our information for personal use. 

You are permitted to download a copy of the information on this website to your computer for your personal use only, provided that you do not delete or change any copyright symbol, trade mark, or other proprietary notice. Your use of our content in any other way infringes our intellectual property rights. 

Except as permitted under applicable copyright law, you are not permitted to copy, reproduce, republish, distribute, or display any of the information on this website without our prior written permission. 

The licence to access and use the information on our website does not include the right to use any data mining robots or other extraction tools. The licence also does not permit you to metatag or mirror our website without our prior written permission. 

Hyperlinks 

This website may from time to time contain hyperlinks to other websites. Such links are provided for convenience only and we take no responsibility for the content, maintenance, or privacy compliance of any linked website. 

Any hyperlink on our website to another website does not imply our endorsement, support, or sponsorship of the operator of that website nor of the information and/or products which they provide. 

You may link to our website with our consent. Any such linking will be entirely your responsibility and at your expense. By linking, you must not alter any of our website’s contents including any intellectual property notices and you must not frame or reformat any of our pages, files, images, text, or other materials. 

Intellectual Property Rights 

The copyright to all content on this website including applets, graphics, images, layouts, and text belongs to us or we have a licence to use those materials. 

All trade marks, brands, and logos generally identified either with the symbols TM or ® which are used on this website are either owned by us or we have a licence to use them. Your access to our website does not license you to use those marks in any commercial way without our prior written permission. 

Any comment, feedback, idea, or suggestion which you provide to us through this website becomes our property. If in future we use your comments in promoting our website or in any other way, we will not be liable for any similarities which may appear from such use. 

Disclaimers 

Whilst we have taken all due care in providing the information on our website, we do not provide any warranty either express or implied, including without limitation warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 

We also take all due care in ensuring that our website is free of any virus, worm, Trojan horse, and/or malware; however, we are not responsible for any damage to your computer system which arises in connection with your use of our website or any linked website. 

From time to time we may host third-party content on our website such as advertisements and endorsements belonging to other traders. Responsibility for the content of such material rests with the owners of that material and we are not responsible for any errors or omissions in such material. 

Fire Safety Limitation 

Smoke alarms are designed to provide an early warning of fire; however, they do not prevent fires, injuries, or property damage. 

SATS provides inspection, testing, maintenance, and installation services to assist property owners and managers in meeting applicable smoke alarm legislation. SATS does not guarantee that smoke alarms will detect every fire, activate in all circumstances, or prevent injury, death, or property loss. 

To the maximum extent permitted by law, SATS will not be liable for any loss, injury, death, or damage arising from a fire or fire-related incident, including where smoke alarms fail to activate, activate late, or are unable to detect the fire. 

The responsibility for maintaining overall fire safety within the property, including fire prevention, evacuation planning, and compliance with all building and safety regulations, remains with the property owner and/or occupant. 

Limitation of Liability 

To the full extent permitted by law, our liability for breach of any implied warranty or condition is limited to the supply of the services again or payment of the cost of having those services supplied again. 

We accept no liability for any loss whatsoever, including consequential loss, suffered by you arising from services we have supplied. 

We do not accept liability for anything contained in any communication which originates with a user and not with us. 

Indemnity 

By accessing our website, you agree to indemnify and hold us harmless from all claims, actions, damages, costs, and expenses including legal fees arising from or in connection with your use of our website. 

Force Majeure 

If a Force Majeure event causing delay continues for more than thirty (30) days, SATS may terminate this Agreement by providing at least seven (7) days’ notice. “Force Majeure” means any act, circumstance, or omission over which we could not reasonably have exercised control. 

Jurisdiction 

These Terms and Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of New Zealand. 

If any provision in these Terms and Conditions is invalid under any law, the provision will be limited, narrowed, construed, or altered as necessary to render it valid, but only to the extent necessary to achieve such validity. If necessary, the invalid provision will be deleted and the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. 

Privacy 

We undertake to take all due care with any information which you may provide to us when accessing our website. However, we do not warrant and cannot ensure the security of any information which you may provide to us. Information you transmit to us is entirely at your own risk, although we undertake to take reasonable steps to preserve such information in a secure manner. 

Our compliance with privacy legislation is set out in our separate Privacy Policy.