Queensland Smoke Alarm Requirements
QUEENSLAND SMOKE ALARM RULES
Know what your property needs.
Queensland's staged smoke alarm changes affect rentals, sales and existing private homes. Here is a practical starting point for the key requirements and dates.
Which deadline applies?
Homes being sold or leased already need the upgraded alarms. The final stage for other existing homes is approaching.
RENTAL PROPERTIES
Already required
Rental homes must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in the required locations. Landlords and property managers also have pre-tenancy testing and cleaning responsibilities.
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT →HOMES FOR SALE
Already required
The upgraded alarm requirements apply when a home is sold. Arrange an inspection early enough to address any required work before settlement.
SALE INSPECTIONS →OTHER EXISTING HOMES
By 1 January 2027
Existing private homes, townhouses, units and manufactured homes must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by this date.
PRIVATE HOME SERVICES →What does a compliant setup involve?
Alarms must meet AS 3786–2014 and be the required photoelectric type.
When one required alarm sounds, the others sound too.
Alarms are required in every bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home, and on each storey. Different placement rules apply where there is no hallway or bedroom on a storey.
Depending on the installation, alarms may be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery. A licensed electrician must do hardwired electrical work.
Why the rules changed
Smoke alarms give people earlier warning and more time to escape. Queensland introduced the changes in stages from 2017 to 2027 after the 2011 Slacks Creek house fire. Interconnection helps alert people throughout a home when one alarm detects smoke.
Caravans & motorhomes
Queensland-registered caravans and motorhomes are also covered. A new registration or transfer has required a photoelectric alarm since 1 July 2024; other registered caravans and motorhomes must have one by 1 January 2027. See the Queensland Fire Department for the detailed installation guidance.
Check the official guidance
Property layout and existing wiring can change the work required. Read the Queensland Fire Department smoke alarm guidance and its frequently asked questions. For rental responsibilities, see the Residential Tenancies Authority. You can also review fire escape planning.
Safety switches are a separate electrical safety requirement for Queensland rental properties. Read the Electrical Safety Office guidance.
Not sure what is installed?
We can inspect the alarm locations, age, type and interconnection, then explain any work needed and quote upgrades separately.
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