Summary of Changes that affect every Queensland Landlord.
By 1st January 2022, smoke alarms in every Queensland rental property must be:
For most landlords, this will mean that every current smoke alarm must be replaced and new ones installed – as very few rental properties have interconnected, photoelectric alarms inside bedrooms. Depending on the number of bedrooms and storeys in the property this could cost between $500 – $2,000.
Current Legislation
New smoke alarm laws commenced on 1st January 2017 and apply to every residential rental property in Queensland.
The existing landlord’s obligations regarding the installation and testing of smoke alarms (within 30 days prior to every new lease renewal and lease change) continue.
How many smoke alarms are required?
The minimum legal requirement is that:
Where practicable smoke alarms must be placed on the ceiling. Smoke alarms must not be placed:
What type of smoke alarms are required?
When replacing smoke alarms, they must be of a photoelectric type and must comply with Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014.
Additional Requirements
Smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced
Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately
Existing hard wired smoke alarms that need replacement must be replaced with a hardwired smoke alarm
Rental Properties – Queensland
New Legislation
From 1st January 2022
HOW MANY SMOKE ALARMS ARE REQUIRED?
Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey:
Where practicable smoke alarms must be placed on the ceiling. Smoke alarms must not be placed:
If impractical for the prescribed location requirements to be met (e.g. may be affected by steam from shower or fumes from cooking), the owner may put the alarm at another location that will provide a warning to occupants of the dwelling.
WHAT TYPE OF SMOKE ALARMS ARE REQUIRED?
Smoke alarms must be of a photoelectric and must comply with Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014
Smoke alarms must be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10 year battery
Smoke alarms must not contain an ionisation sensor
Smoke alarms must be less than 10 years old
Smoke alarms must operate when tested