There is new legislation for dwellings being sold, leased or if an existing lease is renewed.

From 1 January 2017

When replacing smoke alarms, they must be of a photoelectric type which complies with Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014.

Existing landlord’s and tenant’s obligations regarding the installation and testing of smoke alarms continue. Property sellers must continue to lodge a Form 24 with the Queensland Land Registry Office stating the requirements of the smoke alarm legislation have been met.

From 1 January 2022

Smoke alarms in the dwelling must:

1. be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014); and
2. not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
3. be less than 10 years old; and
4. operate when tested; and v) be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together.

Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:

1. in each bedroom; and
2. in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or
3. if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
4. if there are no bedrooms on a storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

Smoke alarms must be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.