Queensland homes · rules change 1 January 2027

Queensland smoke alarms: what your home needs by 1 January 2027

From 1 January 2027 every Queensland home needs interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, not just homes being sold or rented. Answer four questions to see roughly how many you need and whether you can fit them yourself.

We are a referral service, not an electrician.

The 4-question check

1. Are any of your smoke alarms wired into the power (240V)?

Wired alarms usually have no battery door and a small green light that stays on.

Yes, at least one No, all battery There are no alarms Not sure

2. How many bedrooms?

Choose123456 or more

3. How many storeys?

Choose123 or more

4. Do the bedrooms on each level open onto one shared hallway or living area?

Yes No, they are spread out Not sure

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Suburb Postcode

Type of home Choose oneHouseTownhouseUnit

BedroomsChoose123456 or more StoreysChoose123 or more

Smoke alarms there now Choose one Wired into the power (240V) Battery only A mix of both None Not sure You are the Choose one Owner, living there Landlord Owner, selling within 6 months When do you want it done? Choose one Before Christmas January February or later Name Mobile Email Anything the electrician should know? (optional) I agree to Boring Ventures Pty Ltd passing my details to one licensed electrical contractor, who will contact me to quote this job.

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We are a referral service, not an electrician. The contractor may pay us a fee. See our privacy policy.

Questions

Do I have to do this if I am not selling or renting?

Yes. Until 31 December 2026 the interconnected alarm rule only applied to new or renovated homes and to homes being sold or leased. Those limits expire on 31 December 2026 (Fire Services Act 1990 s147Z(7)), so from 1 January 2027 it applies to every home in Queensland, owner-occupied included.

Can I fit the alarms myself?

Yes, if none of your current alarms is wired into the power. Sealed 10-year battery alarms that link to each other wirelessly need no electrical work. If any alarm is wired to 240V, its replacement must also be hardwired (Fire Services Act 1990 s148A(3)), and only a licensed electrician can do that.

What alarms are allowed?

Photoelectric only (no ionisation sensor), complying with AS 3786:2014, either hardwired or with a sealed battery that lasts at least 10 years, less than 10 years old, and all interconnected so they sound together. Wireless interconnection is allowed (Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 s55C to s55E; Fire Services Act s147Z).

Where do they go?

One in every bedroom. On each storey with bedrooms, one in the hallway the bedrooms open onto, or between the bedrooms and the rest of the home. On a storey without bedrooms, one on the most likely way out. On the ceiling, at least 300 mm from a light or corner and 400 mm from an air vent or ceiling fan (Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 s55C).

What happens if a home does not comply?

The owner can be fined 2 penalty units on the spot ($345.40 from 1 July 2026), or up to 5 penalty units ($863.50) in court. When you sell, you lodge a Form 24, and under the standard REIQ contract a buyer can claim 0.15% of the price if the alarms do not comply at settlement ($1,050 on a $700,000 home).

Is there help with the cost?

Home Assist Secure, a Queensland Government service for people aged 60 and over or living with disability, has offered a one-time smoke alarm subsidy. Funding has run out in some areas, so ask your local Home Assist Secure provider first.

Who are you?

Smoke Alarm Check QLD is a referral service run by Boring Ventures Pty Ltd (ABN 67 671 943 758). We are not an electrician and do not do electrical work. If you ask for a quote, we pass your request to one licensed electrical contractor, who quotes and contracts with you directly and may pay us a fee.

Sources: qld.gov.au smoke alarms (updated 29/10/2026); Fire Services Act 1990 (Qld) s147Z, s148A; Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld) s55C to s55E; State Penalties Enforcement Regulation 2014; REIQ contract clause 7.9. Prices are published firm and retailer prices, not our quotes.