New smoke alarm laws have been introduced to make Queensland’s households the safest in Australia in relation to fire safety.
The new laws require all Queensland dwellings to have “interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms” in all bedrooms, in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling and on each and every level of the dwelling. Interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms can be wired or wireless but if one smoke alarm sounds then all the other smoke alarms will also sound.
The new laws will be rolled out over ten years in three stages:-
- 1 January 2017 required in all new and substantially renovated dwellings;
- 1 January 2022 required in all homes leased or sold;
- 1 January 2027 required in all other homes.
Existing Dwellings
If your smoke alarm was manufactured more than 10 years ago it must be replaced.
If your smoke alarm does not operate when tested it also must be replaced immediately.
From 1 January 2017, if you replace a smoke alarm in your home it must be replaced with a photoelectric type. All existing hardwired smoke alarms that require replacement must be replaced with a hardwired smoke alarm.
From 1 January 2027, interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms must be in all dwellings.
New Dwellings and substantially renovated Dwellings
From 1 January 2017, all new dwellings and substantial renovations are required to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed.
This applies to homes where building applications were lodged after 1 January 2017. The development approval process, however, will ensure that building approvals received on or after 1 January 2017 will bring dwellings into compliance with the new laws.
Dwellings being sold, leased or renewed
From 1 January 2017, any smoke alarm that is being replaced must be replaced with a photoelectric type. For existing Landlord’s and Tenant’s, your other obligations continue in respect of the installation and testing of smoke alarms.
From 1 January 2022, all smoke alarms in dwellings being sold, leased or renewed must be interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
Should you require further advice or information in relation to the smoke alarms changes, please do not hesitate to contact our office and speak with one of our friendly Solicitors.
