QLD Smoke Alarm Legislation: Effective 2027 - Learn more

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Interconnected
Smoke Alarm Requirements

Whether you’re leasing, selling, or living in a property in Queensland, understanding your responsibilities around interconnected smoke alarms is critical to ensuring safety — and staying compliant.

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What the Law Requires

Queensland 2027 Compliance Deadline

From 1 January 2027, all owner-occupied properties in Queensland must be upgraded to meet the same smoke alarm standards already required in rental properties.

What the Law Requires:

Photoelectric smoke alarms

Only (ionisation models no longer acceptable)

Interconnected alarms

When one goes off, they all go off

  • Every bedroom
  • Hallways outside bedrooms
  • At least one on every level of the property

Alarms must be installed in:

Automated reminders for your renewal or next test

Alarms must comply with

AS3786:2014

Must be hardwired or powered by a

10-year lithium battery

tech
tech

required for each property type

Recommendations by Property Type

  • Installations typically require 3 to 6 alarms, depending on number of bedrooms and levels
  • Bedrooms often spread across multiple zones = importance of interconnection
  • Considerations: double-storey compliance (one alarm per floor minimum), multiple hallway intersections
  • Often include multiple levels and close-proximity rooms
  • At least one alarm per level is mandatory
  • Bedrooms and staircases should be prioritised for interconnection
  • Consider risk of smoke alarms being obscured by split layouts

  • Requirements are the same: all bedrooms, hallways, every level
  • Smaller floorplans may reduce number of alarms required
  • Strata rules do not override state legislation — you are still individually responsible
  • Hardwired installations may require strata approval; PCA can assist with guidance
  • Minimum one photoelectric alarm — location determined by layout
  • Some studios may still require more than one alarm depending on enclosed spaces or mezzanines
interconnected
interconnected

Unsure What Your Property Needs?

PCA offers fixed-price packages and free consultations. We assess your layout and tell you exactly what’s required — no fluff, no guesswork.

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