Queensland Smoke Alarm Laws: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
By Leigh Martinuzzi | Martinuzzi Property Group – eXp Australia
If you own a home in Queensland, whether you live in it, rent it out, or are looking to sell, there are important smoke alarm laws you can’t afford to ignore. These rules aren’t just about ticking a compliance box; they’re about protecting lives and avoiding fines or costly settlement delays.
Over the past few years, Queensland has rolled out new legislation for smoke alarms in stages. We’re now well into that transition period, and the deadline for all homes to meet the new standard is fast approaching.
Here’s what you need to know.
The Big Picture
Queensland’s laws now require photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all residential properties. These alarms detect smoke faster, reduce false alarms, and when linked together, they all sound at once, giving everyone in the home more time to escape.
By 1 January 2027, every residential property in Queensland must be upgraded to meet this standard, no exceptions.
Who Needs to Comply (and When)
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Rental properties: Must already comply before a new lease starts or is renewed.
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Properties for sale: Must comply before settlement and sellers have to declare compliance in the Form 24 at the Land Registry.
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Owner‑occupiers: Have until 1 January 2027 to upgrade, but it’s wise to act now. Waiting until the last minute could mean supply shortages or higher costs.
What the Law Requires
Your smoke alarms must:
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Be photoelectric (AS 3786‑2014 standard) – no ionisation alarms allowed.
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Be interconnected and if one goes off, they all go off.
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Be installed:
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In every bedroom
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In hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home
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On every storey of the home, even if there are no bedrooms on that level
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Be powered by either:
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Hard‑wiring (240 V) with battery backup, or
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A non‑removable 10‑year lithium battery
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Be less than 10 years old and working when tested.
Maintenance and Testing Rules
Installing the right alarms is only half the job and they also need to be maintained.
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Landlords and property managers must test and clean alarms within 30 days before a new tenancy starts or a lease is renewed.
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Tenants should test alarms at least once every 12 months during their tenancy and report any issues straight away.
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Homeowners should test alarms regularly (every 6–12 months is recommended).
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All alarms must be replaced if they’re faulty or over 10 years old.
There’s no formal “recertification” process, but keeping a record of when alarms were tested or replaced is smart, especially if you’re renting or selling.
Why This Matters for Sellers
If you’re selling and your property isn’t compliant, buyers can seek a price adjustment at settlement or worse, settlement could be delayed. Getting compliant before listing avoids any last‑minute stress.
Our Advice
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Don’t wait until 2027, get your alarms upgraded now.
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Use a licensed electrician for hard‑wired systems and interconnection.
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Keep records of installation and testing, it protects you legally and makes future sales smoother.
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If you’re renting and schedule regular checks as part of your property management routine.
Need a Hand?
At Martinuzzi Property Group, we’re here to help Sunshine Coast homeowners stay informed and prepared. Whether you’re selling, renting, or just making sure your home is safe, we can connect you with trusted local electricians and compliance services to get the job done right.
If you’d like to know what else you should do to prepare your property for sale (and avoid costly compliance pitfalls), get in touch with us here for a free property consultation.
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