When it comes to home safety, there’s one simple device that can literally save lives: the humble smoke alarm. In Queensland, the government has taken major steps to make homes safer by introducing stricter smoke alarm laws — and if you're a homeowner, landlord, or tenant, it's important you know what’s required.
What’s Changed?
Since January 1, 2022, new rules have come into play for all homes being sold or rented. If you're a landlord or selling a property, you must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed:
In every bedroom
In hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the home
On each level of the home
These alarms need to be either hardwired or have a sealed 10-year battery, and they must all talk to each other — meaning, if one goes off, they all do. This gives everyone in the house the best possible warning in case of fire.
If you’re an owner-occupier (living in your own home), you have until January 1, 2027 to upgrade your smoke alarms to meet these new standards — though honestly, why wait when it could save lives?
Why Photoelectric and Interconnected?
Photoelectric smoke alarms are better at detecting smouldering fires — the kind that can fill a room with smoke before you see flames. And when alarms are interconnected, they sound all at once, giving everyone in the home more time to get out safely.
What Landlords Need to Do
If you rent out a property in Queensland, these laws are already in full swing. You need to:
Install compliant smoke alarms
Make sure they’re tested and working before each new tenancy
Check them within 30 days before any tenancy begins or is renewed
Not doing this doesn’t just put your tenants at risk — it can land you in serious legal trouble.
A Sobering Reminder
In 2023, a tragic house fire on Russell Island killed six people, including five children. The home didn’t have compliant smoke alarms, and the landlord was fined. It's a heartbreaking example of how important these alarms really are — and why the laws exist in the first place.
Bottom Line: Don’t Put It Off
Whether you're living in your forever home or managing a rental, these smoke alarm laws are about protecting the people inside. It’s not just ticking a box or avoiding a fine — it’s about giving you and your loved ones a real chance to escape if the worst happens.
For more details, you can check the official Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website or talk to a licensed electrician about upgrading your alarms.
Because when it comes to fire safety, doing the right thing can truly mean the difference between life and death.