New Smoke Alarm Requirements from 1 January 2022
You may have heard about the Queensland Government introducing new rules regarding smoke alarms, but what does this mean for you exactly?
What are the changes?
Under the new smoke alarm legislation, all home owners must install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways, and on every level of a dwelling/s by 2027.
Smoke alarms must comply with the prescribed regulation, including:
- be photoelectric (AS3786-2014), not also contain an ionisation sensor, and be hardwired to the mains power supply, if currently hardwired. Otherwise, smoke alarms can be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10 year battery or a combination of both.
- be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling, so all activate together.
- be installed in the following locations:
- on each storey
- in each bedroom
- if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other parts of the storey; and
- 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.
- not be placed within certain distances of walls, light fittings, air-conditioning vents, and ceiling fans, as dictated by legislation.
For sellers
If you are selling a property and enter into a contract of sale after 31 December 2021, then you must comply with the above requirements pursuant to s104RBA(2)(a) of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 prior to settlement, in order to give notice to the buyer that Compliant Smoke Alarms have been installed.
For owner occupiers
Owner occupiers have until 1 January 2027 to make their home compliant, provided that the property is not sold, leased, or substantially renovated, and remains owner occupied.
For landlords
Landlords must ensure that, from 1 January 2022, at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal, dwellings/units meet the requirements of the domestic smoke alarm legislation pursuant to s104RBA(2)(b) of the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990.
For further information regarding your obligations, and detailed advice regarding compliant smoke alarms, placement etc. please visit: https://www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/new-smoke-alarm-laws
Should you require assistance navigating the new requirements, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team on 1300 765 488.
