QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation: Effective 2027 - Learn more

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Compliance Obligations
for Landlords – Explained

If you’re renting out property in Australia, staying compliant with current smoke alarm legislation isn’t optional — it’s your legal responsibility.
This page outlines what’s required in each state, your duty of care as a landlord, and the consequences of falling short.

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Smoke Alarm Laws by State

If you’re renting out property in Australia, staying compliant with current smoke alarm legislation isn’t optional — it’s your legal responsibility.

  • As of 1 January 2022, all rental properties must have:
    • Photoelectric smoke alarms
    • Alarms that are interconnected
    • Alarms installed in every bedroom, hallways outside bedrooms, and every level of the home
  • All alarms must comply with AS3786:2014
  • All new or renewed leases require full compliance
  • Minimum requirement: At least one working smoke alarm on each level of the home
  • Recommended upgrades: Photoelectric and interconnected alarms for improved safety
  • Alarms must be tested annually and replaced before expiry
  • Working smoke alarms must be installed and maintained in accordance with the Building Code
  • Landlords are responsible for ongoing compliance and must ensure tenants do not remove or damage alarms
  • Properties built before 1995 must be upgraded to photoelectric smoke alarms
  • All rental properties must meet installation requirements under the Development Regulations 2008
  • Landlords are responsible for installation and maintenance of compliant alarms
  • While regulations vary across states and territories, PCA encourages all landlords to follow best practice and upgrade to interconnected photoelectric alarms to protect tenants and reduce risk exposure.
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pca homepage values

As a landlord

Your Duty of Care as a Landlord

You are legally and ethically obligated to

Provide a safe living environment for your tenants

Ensure that working smoke alarms are installed before lease commencement

Maintain those alarms throughout the tenancy (test, replace batteries, upgrade as required)

Comply with state legislation regarding alarm types and placement

Failing to meet these obligations could result in legal action, insurance issues, or tenant risk.

duty of care

The Consequences of Non-Compliance

If your property is non-compliant:

Your landlord insurance may be void in the event of a fire

You may be fined or prosecuted under local tenancy and safety legislation

You could be liable for damages or injury suffered by tenants

You may breach your rental agreement, putting your investment at risk

You risk delays in settlement and/or financial penalties if selling the property

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PCA Property Compliance Mobile 04

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How PCA Can Help

We help landlords stay compliant with:

Fixed-price installation packages

Photographic compliance certificates

Tenant coordination and digital documentation

Fast turnaround and legislative expertise

Integration with real estate platforms like PropertyMe, Reapit PM, and Property Tree

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PCA Property Managers 08

Want stress-free compliance across every property?

Want to see how PCA can integrate with your current systems? Let’s show you what’s possible.

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