Landlords & Rental Properties

From 1 January 2017: Landlords must install compliant smoke alarms in rental properties. Any smoke alarm over 10 years old, or one that doesn’t work when tested, must be replaced with a photoelectric alarm (AS 3786–2014).

Within 30 days before a new tenancy begins: Landlords must test and clean all smoke alarms. During a tenancy, tenants must do this at least once every 12 months.

You don’t need to be licensed to clean or test an alarm — just press the “test” button and follow manufacturer instructions (usually vacuuming).

Some real estate agents may request a certificate of compliance, but this isn’t a legal requirement — just part of their internal process.

From 1 January 2022: When starting or renewing a lease, the property must meet full compliance — including smoke alarms in bedrooms, hallways, and all levels of the home.

Owner-Occupiers – Existing Homes

From 1 January 2017: Any smoke alarm that is over 10 years old, doesn’t work, or needs replacing must be updated to a photoelectric smoke alarm (AS 3786–2014).

If your existing alarm is hardwired, it must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric model.

From 1 January 2027: All private homes, units, and townhouses must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed in these locations:

On each storey of the home 

In every bedroom

In hallways that connect bedrooms to other areas

If no hallway – between bedrooms and other parts of the home

If no bedrooms – in the most likely exit path

Alarms must be hardwired (240V) or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.

New Builds & Renovations

From 1 January 2017: New homes and those undergoing major renovations must meet smoke alarm requirements under the National Construction Code (formerly the Building Code of Australia)

Smoke alarms must be:

Photoelectric (AS 3786–2014)

Hardwired with a battery backup

Not contain an ionisation sensor

Interconnected – when one goes off, they all do

Alarms must be installed in all bedrooms, hallways, and levels of the home, or the most likely exit path if no bedrooms are present.

It's the Law:
Upgrade Your Smoke Alarms Today

From 1 January 2022, Queensland law requires that all smoke alarms in homes be photoelectric and interconnected. Whether you’re a landlord, homeowner, or renovating, it’s essential to stay compliant — and protect your loved ones.