QLD Smoke Alarm Laws 2027: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know
From 1 January 2027, every Queensland home must have photoelectric smoke alarms that meet AS 3786-2014, interconnected so they all sound together, in every bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home, and on every level. Existing 240V alarms must be replaced with 240V alarms by a licensed electrician.
The three stages of Queensland's smoke alarm legislation
| Date | Who it applies to |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2017 | New homes and substantially renovated homes |
| 1 January 2022 | Homes sold or leased (including lease renewals) |
| 1 January 2027 | All remaining homes, including owner-occupied houses, townhouses and units |
What a compliant home looks like
- Photoelectric alarms that comply with AS 3786-2014.
- Interconnected, so when one alarm sounds, every alarm sounds.
- In every bedroom.
- In hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the home.
- On every level, even if a level has no bedrooms.
- No alarm older than 10 years, and every alarm passes a test.
Hardwired vs battery alarms
The power type carries over. If your home has 240V hardwired alarms, they must be replaced with 240V photoelectric alarms, and a licensed electrician must connect them. If your home has battery alarms, you can replace them with photoelectric alarms that have a 10-year non-removable battery. New builds and major renovations need hardwired 240V alarms.
Hardwired smoke alarm replacement
Rentals: landlord and tenant responsibilities
The landlord is responsible for installing compliant alarms and must test each alarm within 30 days before a tenancy starts, including renewals and extensions. Tenants must test and clean each alarm at least once every 12 months.
Selling a home
Homes being sold must comply before settlement. A certificate of compliance isn't a legal requirement, but agents often ask for one. Hardwired alarms installed by a licensed electrician come with a Certificate of Testing and Compliance.
Selling a home: smoke alarm checklist
Who regulates smoke alarms in Queensland?
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD), formerly the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES), regulates domestic smoke alarms under the Fire Services Act 1990 and the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008. For the official wording, see the QFD's own pages.
Source: Queensland Fire Department smoke alarm FAQ.
This guide is general information based on Queensland Fire Department guidance as at November 2026. It isn't legal advice. Check the QFD website for your circumstances.
QLD smoke alarm law FAQs
When do the new QLD smoke alarm laws apply to my home?
All Queensland homes, including owner-occupied homes, must have compliant smoke alarms by 1 January 2027. Rentals and homes being sold have had to comply since 1 January 2022.
What type of smoke alarm is required in Queensland?
Photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standard AS 3786-2014, interconnected so they all sound together.
Where do smoke alarms need to go?
In every bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the home, and on every level of the home.
Can I install smoke alarms myself?
10-year non-removable battery alarms don't need an electrician. 240V hardwired alarms must be connected by a licensed electrician.
How often do smoke alarms need replacing?
Smoke alarms must be replaced if they're more than 10 years old or fail a test.
Who enforces the smoke alarm laws?
The Queensland Fire Department (formerly QFES), under the Fire Services Act 1990 and the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.
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