Owning investment property in Queensland? Ensuring smoke alarms comply with the latest regulations isn’t just best practice—it’s the law. Let’s walk through your responsibilities and how you can protect your tenants and your investment.
1. What Queensland landlords must do
From 1 January 2022, every rental dwelling must be fitted with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms:
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Installed in every bedroom, hallways leading to bedrooms (or between bedrooms if no hallway exists), and at least one on each level of the property.
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Alarms must be photoelectric only, compliant with AS 3786‑2014, not contain ionisation sensors, and have either a hardwired system with 10‑year battery backup or a non‑removable 10‑year lithium battery.
As a landlord:
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You must test and clean all smoke alarms within 30 days before the start or renewal of a tenancy.
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Provide tenants with manufacturer’s instructions and include smoke alarm condition in the Entry Condition Report (Form 1a).
2. Tenant responsibilities (but you’re still accountable)
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Tenants must test and clean alarms at least once every 12 months (dust or vacuum is fine) and replace flat or low batteries.
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If a smoke alarm malfunctions (beyond battery issues), landlords or property managers must act promptly. Faulty smoke alarms are considered emergency repairs – tenants can initiate fast-track repair processes via QCAT if needed.
3. Compliance checklist for landlords
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 30 days before tenancy/renewal | Test and clean all alarms, record results. |
| Install compliant alarms | Photoelectric, interconnected, correct locations (bedrooms, hallways, every level). |
| Provide documentation | Entry Condition Report, manufacturer instructions. |
| Perform regular maintenance checks | Even though tenants test, stay on top of dates and functionality. |
| Respond promptly to issues | Treat malfunction as emergency repair and communicate clearly. |
4. Why clients trust Cliquey Realty
At Cliquey Realty, we’re proactive about going beyond compliance:
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We conduct routine smoke alarm audits well before new tenants arrive.
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If upgrades are needed, we coordinate electricians for compliant installations.
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We keep documented evidence of inspections, test dates, and tests cleaned. It’s about safety and protecting your legal and financial position.
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We guide you through legal processes if repairs are delayed or tenants raise safety concerns.
Take Action Today
Ensure your rental property is safe and compliant:
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Schedule a smoke alarm audit if you haven’t done one in the past year.
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If alarms are more than 10 years old, not interconnected, or not photoelectric – book a compliant upgrade.
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Review your Entry Condition Reports and provide tenants with clear instructions on caring for alarms.
Need help managing smoke alarm compliance -or want us to take care of it for you? Reach out to Cliquey Realty, and we’ll make sure your investment is both safe and legislative-ready.
