A Renovator

Buying and installing smoke alarms

Queensland’s smoke alarm laws went into effect on January 1, 2017. All new and significantly renovated dwellings must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms that comply with Australian Standard 3786-2014 (AS 3786-2014) installed by this date.

New and substantially built residences should have compliant smoke alarms installed as part of the construction process, as required by the National Construction Code (NCC). This is officially called the Building Code of Australia (BCA) and the Building Regulation 2006.

Smoke alarms must also:

The smoke alarms must be installed:

If there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the exit path of the house.

Smoke alarms must be installed on the ceiling whenever possible. Smoke alarms must not be installed in the following areas:

There are other specific requirements for sloping ceilings, stairways, and ceilings with exposed beams, which are explained in detail in the Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008.

Suppose a homeowner or landlord decides to install or replace a smoke alarm, regardless of the age of the home. In that case, it must be replaced with an AS 3786-2014 compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm. These regulations will apply to all rented and sold residences beginning January 1, 2022. A landlord must comply by January 1, 2022 to rent their property legally. Property sellers must continue to file a Form 24 certifying that all legal requirements have been met. These regulations will apply to all homes beginning January 1, 2027.

Avoid dodgy traders

Dodgy dealers may try to take advantage of Brisbane’s new smoke alarm requirements. Make sure you understand the standards for your home to protect yourself. It is illegal for a company or dealer to tell you something false or deceptive. This includes the following:

In all advertising, for instance, on their website or a leaflet delivered to mailboxes
In emails, letters, or text messages, you get
On a shelf or other in-store labeling or signage
On product packaging
In conversations with you

Supply and demand

Every residential dwelling in Queensland must have compliant smoke alarms fitted by 2027. Given the high demand for products, availability may be limited, or prices may rise, mainly toward the cut-off date of January 1, 2027. The Queensland Government does not set smoke alarm prices; businesses can determine their costs. We strongly advise you to make your home compliant as soon as possible to avoid any potential supply and demand concerns.