Queensland’s smoke alarm legislation reaches its final stage on 1 January 2027. From that date, every home in Queensland must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, including owner-occupied houses, townhouses and units. Landlords and sellers already had to comply, so the 2027 deadline mostly affects people living in their own home.
In short, the alarms must be hardwired to mains power or run on a sealed 10-year battery, be less than 10 years old, and carry the AS 3786-2014 marking. You need one in every bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the home, and on every level. Standalone battery-only alarms and ionisation alarms do not meet the requirements. This guide covers what is changing, what owners, landlords, tenants and sellers need to do, and how to get ready. Last updated October 2026.
When Do the Queensland Smoke Alarm Laws Change?
The reforms have rolled out in three stages.
- 1 January 2017: new homes and homes with substantial renovations.
- 1 January 2022: homes being sold or leased.
- 1 January 2027: all remaining homes, including owner-occupied houses, townhouses and units.
If you have lived in the same home for years and never sold or leased it, 1 January 2027 is your deadline.
These dates come from the Queensland Fire Department, and you can check them on its smoke alarm pages.
What Is a Compliant Smoke Alarm in Queensland?
A compliant alarm has to meet all of the following:
- Photoelectric. Photoelectric alarms detect smouldering fires earlier and more reliably than ionisation alarms. Ionisation sensors are not allowed.
- Interconnected. When one alarm sounds, every alarm in the home sounds at the same time.
- Marked AS 3786-2014. The marking is printed on the alarm.
- Less than 10 years old. The manufacture date is printed on the alarm, so check that date and not the date it was installed.
- Hardwired or 10-year battery. Hardwired alarms connect to mains power with a backup battery and are installed by a licensed electrician. The alternative is a sealed, non-removable 10-year battery.
Where Do Smoke Alarms Need to Go?
Queensland homes need an alarm in each of these locations:
- In every bedroom.
- In hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the home.
- On every level of the home. On a level with no bedrooms, put at least one alarm in the likely path of escape.
A typical three-bedroom, single-storey home usually needs four to five alarms, depending on its layout. Ceiling mounting is preferred, with set distances from corners, light fittings and ventilation. A licensed electrician can confirm the right positions for your home.
Do I Need to Replace My Smoke Alarms?
You will most likely need to replace them if any of these apply:
- Your alarms are standalone and not interconnected.
- Your alarms are ionisation type.
- Your alarms are more than 10 years old, or you cannot find a manufacture date.
- Your alarms chirp regularly, or do not respond when tested.
If your alarms already meet every requirement above, you do not need to change them. Not sure what you have? A licensed electrician can check the type, age and placement of your alarms and tell you what, if anything, needs upgrading.
What Do Owners, Landlords, Tenants and Sellers Need to Do?
Owner-occupiers
Upgrade to compliant interconnected photoelectric alarms before 1 January 2027.
Landlords
Test and clean every alarm within 30 days before a tenancy starts. Landlords can receive infringement notices if the alarms do not comply.
Tenants
Test and clean the alarms every 12 months during the tenancy, and tell your landlord or property manager if an alarm is not working.
Sellers
Declare whether the alarms comply on the Property Information Form 24. For hardwired alarms, you also need a Certificate of Testing. Sort the alarms before you list the property so the declaration does not hold up the sale.
What Happens If My Alarms Are Not Compliant?
Not having compliant smoke alarms is an offence under Queensland’s smoke alarm legislation, and infringement notices can apply. It is also a safety risk. In a house fire you may only have minutes to get out, and an alarm that sounds throughout the whole home gives you the best chance of waking everyone in time.
How to Get Ready Before 1 January 2027
- Check the type, age and position of every alarm in your home.
- Replace any alarm that is ionisation, standalone, older than 10 years, or missing a date.
- Book a licensed electrician if you want hardwired alarms.
- Test every alarm once the work is done.
Speedy Electrical’s licensed electricians install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms across Brisbane’s Northside and surrounding suburbs. Read about our smoke alarm installation service, or call 0407 257 239 for a free estimation.
