New smoke alarm requirements for Qld property owners

March 29, 2021

Do you own a rental property in Queensland or intend on selling your property soon?

Changes to the Queensland smoke alarm legislation mean that from 1 January 2022, all domestic dwellings which are leased or sold are required to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.

What types of properties do the new requirements apply to?

All domestic dwellings in Queensland, i.e. houses, townhouses, units and apartments, that are leased (a new lease or renewal of an existing lease) or sold.

What are the new requirements for smoke alarms?

From 1 January 2022, smoke alarms must:

1. Be photoelectric.
2. Not contain an ionisation sensor.
3. Be less than 10 years old.
4. Operate when tested.
5. Be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so they all activate together.
6. Be hardwired or powered by a non-removeable 10-year battery, or a combination of both may be allowed.

Where do the smoke alarms need to be installed?

From 1 January 2022, smoke alarms must be installed on each storey of the dwelling:

1. In each bedroom.
2. In hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling.
3. If there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey.
4. If there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

As a landlord and property owner, you are required by law to ensure your premises complies with the new smoke alarm requirements.  Failure to comply with the requirements may result in heavy fines being issued.

I am an owner occupier and don’t plan on selling anytime soon.  Am I affected?

From 1 January 2027, all domestic dwellings in Queensland will be required to comply with the new smoke alarm requirements.

For more information please contact a member of our Property Team at Fox and Thomas.