FAQs

Landlords & Property Managers

In Queensland, landlords and their property managers have an ongoing responsibility to have smoke alarms:

tested and cleaned within 30 days prior to each tenancy change or renewal;
replaced prior to their expiry date; and
their batteries replaced when and where needed.

General smoke alarm responsibilities

From 1 January 2022, smoke alarms in rental properties must comply with the correct Australian Standard, be interconnected, and be installed in every bedroom as well as other key areas of the property.

Home Sellers & Sales Agents

Seller obligations

When selling a property in Queensland, the seller is required to disclose to the buyer whether the property complies with relevant legislation, including whether compliant smoke alarms are installed. This means properties being sold must meet new requirements prior to the contract of sale being signed.

What happens if you fail to comply?

If the seller fails to comply, the buyer is entitled to an adjustment at settlement equal to 0.15% of the purchase price. The adjustment must be claimed by the buyer in writing prior to settlement.

Smoke alarm requirements

From 1 January 2022 smoke alarms in properties being sold must comply with the correct Australian Standard, be interconnected and be installed in every bedroom as well as other key areas of the property.

Owner Occupiers

Maintenance responsibilities

Homeowners should regularly test and clean their smoke alarms as best practice to ensure the safety of occupants within the property. Homeowners are required to replace any smoke alarms that do not operate when tested and any that were manufactured more than 10 years ago. Replacement alarms must be photoelectric and meet AS 3786-2014. If the previous alarm was hardwired, it must be replaced with a hardwired alarm

Current smoke alarm requirements

Currently, smoke alarms in owner-occupied properties should, at minimum, be installed on each storey and between each part of the property containing bedrooms and the remainder of the property.

New smoke alarm requirements – requiring compliance by January 2027

By 1 January 2027, owner-occupiers will have to meet the same stringent standards that rental properties and properties being sold need to meet. It’s important to note if you are substantially renovating your property you will need to meet these requirements immediately.

Smoke alarms in the home must comply with the correct Australian Standard, be interconnected and be installed in every bedroom as well as other key areas of the property.