According to the QLD Government, there are mandatory smoke alarm changes that all landlords need to know about

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a licensed electrician required to perform the installation?

There are compliant smoke alarms available (e.g. wireless alarms) that don’t need electrical work to be carried out during installation. A licensed electrician will need to be engaged if the installation involves electrical work.

Who is responsible for the smoke alarm upgrade?

Making the dwelling compliant is the responsibility of the owner or landlord. A tenant should never be asked to test, repair or install a smoke alarm.

Where should the smoke alarms be installed from?

Smoke alarms must be installed in all bedrooms, hallways and between areas containing bedrooms. If there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

As a homeowner, do I need to install new smoke alarms in my home?

Smoke alarms installed in your home, need to be tested every year and replaced every 10 years. With the new regulations, all new smoke alarms must be photoelectric and comply with Australian standards AS3786:2014.

When will the smoke alarms need to be replaced?

Landlords need to have their investment properties fitted with the new smoke alarms by the 1st of January 2022.

The new smoke alarm legislation commenced in Queensland on 1 January 2017 which is aimed at replacing all smoke alarms with interconnected photoelectric units over 10 years. This means that all existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric smoke alarms.

Information From Official Website (Updated 23 July 2021)

As part of the building process, new and substantially renovated homes should also have compliant smoke alarms installed as required by the National Construction Code (NCC). This is formally known as the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Building Regulation 2006.

Smoke alarms must also:

  • be less than 10 years old
  • hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery
  • operate when tested.

The smoke alarms must be installed:

  • in every bedroom
  • in hallways that connect bedrooms
  • on each level of the home.

If there are no bedrooms on a storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

Where practicable smoke alarms must be placed on the ceiling. Smoke alarms must not be placed within:

  • 300mm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall
  • 300mm of a light fitting
  • 400mm of an air-conditioning vent
  • 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan.

There are other special requirements for stairways, sloping ceilings, and ceilings with exposed beams which are explained in the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.

If a homeowner or landlord installs or replaces a smoke alarm, regardless of the age of a dwelling, it must be replaced with a compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm, that complies with AS 3786–2014.

From 1 January 2022, these requirements will apply to all houses leased and sold. If a landlord is not compliant by 1 January 2022, they will not be legally able to rent their property. Property sellers must continue to lodge a Form 24 stating the requirements of the law have been met.

From 1 January 2027, these requirements will apply to all homes.

Source Queensland Government official website