What are the changes to the Smoke Alarm laws?
The Queensland Government recently introduced changes to Smoke Alarm laws, aimed at making “Queensland households the safest in Australia in relation to fire safety.”
The new law (the Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Act) requires that all dwellings will be required to have ‘interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms” in all bedrooms, in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling and on every level.
What is an “interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm?”
To be compliant, a smoke alarm must be:
interconnected – this means that the alarms are linked to each other so that if any of the alarms are triggered, then they all trigger simultaneously. hardwired to a continuous power source, or be powered by a non-removable 10 year lithium battery photoelectric – these types of smoke alarms are best for smouldering fires, which are the most common fire in dwellings, and respond more quickly to burning household items such as foams, rubbers, plastics and synthetic materials. They are also, fortunately, not as prone to nuisance cooking alarms!
When does the new law come into effect?
There is a 10 year phased rollout of the new law. Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms are required:
From 1 January 2017: in all new dwellings and substantially renovated dwellings (this applies to building applications submitted from 1 January 2017).
From 1 January 2022: in all domestic dwellings leased and sold.
From 1 January 2027: in all other domestic dwellings.
The new law also requires that from 1 January 2017 any newly installed or replacement smoke alarms must be photoelectric. Fines will apply for non-compliance.
New versions of the standard REIQ Queensland Conveyancing Contracts were recently released updating the reference to the Smoke Alarm law.
The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have created this helpful guide on the changes which may be useful to you and your clients.
Related articles
New Seller Disclosure Regime: are you prepared?
Understanding the New Seller Disclosure Regime in Queensland Effective from 1 August 2025, Queensland sellers must provide buyers with a Seller Disclosure Statement prior to the buyer siging the Contract. Read further to stay ahead of the changes when selling residential property in Queensland. What Is the Seller Disclosure Regime? The new seller disclosure framework […]
Brisbane office relocation.
We are excited to announce the relocation of our Brisbane office to the newly built 480 Queen St, effective Thursday 10 January 2019. We remind clients that while they are always welcome to make an appointment to see us at our location, we endeavor to keep their conveyancing as a ‘no meetings needed’ process to […]
100,000 Queensland Settlements!
Some of the bah humbug felt in the property market leading up to Christmas brings to mind the saying “tough times never last, tough people do”. During our 15 years of helping Queenslanders with their conveyancing we’ve seen several property cycles. One thing that remains constant is that clients always want to know they’re getting […]
Property investors alert: what lies ahead in 2019?
Looking ahead to 2019, a looming change which may impact the Queensland and national property conveyancing markets is potential tax reform on property investments. Here are 5 key things to be aware of as policies ahead of the 2019 federal election take shape: KRG Conveyancing understands the important role investors play in maintaining a dynamic property market. […]
How common is contract termination?
Terminated Contracts are part and parcel of the real estate industry. In recent months, we know many agents have been left feeling they are experiencing more than their fair share. At KRG Conveyancing, we have formed property market insights across market cycles during our 20 year history. We would like to share with you some […]