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Are Your Smoke Alarms Up to Date? Queensland’s Deadline is Coming

The Queensland Government introduced updated smoke alarm legislation in January 2017, which has been phased in over three stages across ten years to give households ample time to comply. The final deadline for all properties to meet the new requirements is 1 January 2027.

Under the updated rules, from 1 January 2022, any property being leased or sold in Queensland must have photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms installed on every level, in each bedroom, and in hallways connecting bedrooms. Additionally, smoke alarms over 10 years old, or those that are faulty, must be replaced with the new photoelectric interconnected type. Owner-occupied properties have until 1 January 2027 to meet these requirements.

The changes at a glance.

Timeline at a Glance:

Date                                   Requirement
From Jan 2017                 All new dwellings or substantially renovated properties must have compliant smoke alarms.
From Jan 2022                 All dwellings being sold or leased (including rental and government-owned housing) must have photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.
By Jan 2027All existing homes, including owner-occupied properties, must meet the new requirements.

Smoke Alarm Requirements

All smoke alarms must:

  • Be photoelectric
  • Be interconnected so that when one activates, they all sound together
  • Comply with Standard AS3786-2014 (check the marking on the alarm body)
  • Not contain an ionisation sensor
  • Be either:
    • Hardwired to mains power by a licensed electrician, with a secondary power source (e.g., non-removable 10-year battery), or
    • Powered by a 10-year non-removable battery photoelectric smoke alarm (suitable for DIY installation if compliant)

Owner Occupier

All existing private homes, townhouses and units require interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 1 January 2027.

Landlord

Within 30 days before the start of a tenancy, the lessor/landlord must test and clean each smoke alarm in the home

Selling or Leasing

All homes or units being sold, require photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms.

Building or Renovating

As part of a building approval process, requiring a Building Certifier, all new homes and renovations should have the required smoke alarms installed in line with the requirements of the National Construction Code (NCC) formally known as Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Building Regulation 2021.

For owner occupiers, with the 1 January 2027 deadline approaching, now is a good time to upgrade smoke alarms to meet the new requirements, waiting until the last minute could lead to limited supply and reduced contractor availability. Further information can be obtained from QFES here https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms