Lithium‑ion batteries are now part of everyday life in Australian strata communities. From smartphones and laptops to power tools, e‑bikes, e‑scooters, and solar storage systems, these batteries support modern living. However, alongside this convenience comes risk.
Across Australia, fire authorities and regulators have raised growing concerns about lithium‑ion battery fires, particularly in higher‑density environments such as apartments and townhouses. These incidents can escalate quickly and may place people, property, and common areas at risk.
For strata owners and committees, this presents an evolving responsibility. Understanding the risks, sharing safety information, and implementing controls can help reduce potential hazards within the community.
Lithium‑ion batteries are not all the same. Battery quality, design, and compliance can vary significantly between products, which may affect safety outcomes.
When lithium‑ion batteries fail, they can enter a process known as thermal runaway. This is a rapid, uncontrolled reaction where the battery overheats and continues to fuel its own ignition. Once thermal runaway begins, it can lead to:
Government agencies and fire authorities across Australia have reported an increase in lithium‑ion battery incidents in recent years, particularly involving e‑mobility devices and charging equipment.
Lithium‑ion battery fires behave differently from many other electrical fires. They can ignite with little warning, burn at extremely high temperatures, and spread quickly to nearby materials. In some cases, batteries may re‑ignite hours or even days after an initial incident.
In strata, body corporate, and owners corporation communities, homes are close together, and batteries may be charged or stored in garages, basements, hallways, or storage cages. These conditions can increase the likelihood that a battery incident affects multiple lots and common property areas.
Many lithium‑ion battery incidents occur during routine activities, such as charging devices or storing equipment.
Encouraging simple habits, such as unplugging devices once they’re charged and avoiding cluttered charging areas, can help reduce risk without major changes to daily routines.
Immediately stop using and safely isolate any battery or device that:
Lithium‑ion batteries should not go into household waste or recycling bins. Use approved battery recycling programs or council drop‑off points. Taping battery terminals before transport may help reduce the risk of short‑circuiting.
Do not attempt to extinguish large battery fires yourself. Batteries can re‑ignite even after flames appear to stop.
If a battery is smoking, sparking, or on fire:
Safety guidance is often most effective when it is easy to understand and shared consistently.
Committees may find it helpful to: Share safety reminders through newsletters or noticeboards. Include battery safety information for new residents or tenants. Encourage residents to speak up if they notice unsafe practices in shared areas.
Clear communication can help support safer behaviour across the community.
Lithium‑ion battery safety is a shared responsibility. Acting early, identifying risks, and following safety guidance can help reduce potential harm.
Residents and lot owners are generally responsible for the safe use, charging, storage, and disposal of lithium‑ion batteries and battery‑powered devices within their lots. This may include:
The owners corporation has a duty to manage and mitigate battery‑related risks on common property. Failure to address known lithium‑ion battery hazards may expose the owners corporation or body corporate to negligence claims, particularly where fires originate in common areas or where unsafe practices are permitted despite clear warnings from state authorities.
Key responsibilities include:
The following government resources provide practical guidance on lithium‑ion battery safety:
| NSW | https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/lithium-ion-batteries |
| NT | https://pfes.nt.gov.au/fire-and-rescue-service/fire-safety/battery-and-charging-safety |
| QLD | https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/safety-education/battery-and-charging-safety/lithium-ion-battery-safety |
| TAS | https://www.homefiresafety.tas.gov.au/home-fire-risks/lithium-ion |
| VIC | https://www.frv.vic.gov.au/battery-safety https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/safety-alerts/lithium-ion-battery-fires |
Before renewing your agreement, take a moment to compare your options. Our quick and easy form can be completed in less than 30 seconds.
Lithium‑ion batteries are now a common feature of modern strata living, but they also introduce new and evolving risks. In higher-density communities, a single battery incident can have far-reaching consequences for residents, common property, and building safety.
By understanding how lithium‑ion batteries work, recognising common risk factors and following practical safety guidance, owners and committees can help reduce potential hazards. Clear communication, shared responsibility, and access to reliable government information all help support safer strata communities.
Download our FREE community living guides for practical strata insights.
Access helpful videos made for owners and committees.
Find out more about our services today.
Please use the form below to get a tailored strata management quote. For enquiries on strata reports, renovations, repairs and insurance-related issues, please use our forms and applications. For any general questions, head to our contact us page.
This article is edited by Lauren Shaw Regional General Manager and Licensee-in-Charge on May 2026.
