# Smoke alarm compliance rules for Queensland rental properties

> Smoke alarm compliance for Queensland rental properties: what must be installed, who tests and cleans the alarms before each tenancy, and a checklist.

Source: https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/smoke-alarm-compliance-queensland-rental-properties/
Business: Faze Electrical & Airconditioning, Office 2/170-174 North Rd, Woodridge QLD 4114, Australia. Phone 07 4428 2766. Text 0489 275 747. QLD Electrical Contractor Licence 90552. ARCtick L181564.

By the Faze Electrical & Airconditioning team, Woodridge. Published 27 October 2026.

**Need smoke alarms installed or replaced in a rental?** Text us the suburb and the number of bedrooms and storeys. Our automated quote assistant answers the text line at any hour.

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**For smoke alarm compliance, a Queensland rental property must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in each bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms, and on each storey.** That standard applies once a new tenancy starts or an existing tenancy is renewed after 31 December 2021. The owner or property manager must also test and clean each alarm within 30 days before a tenancy starts. Owner occupied homes have until 1 January 2027.

The quick answer

- Rental properties must comply once a new tenancy starts or an existing tenancy is renewed after 31 December 2021.

- Before each tenancy, the owner or property manager must test and clean each alarm within 30 days before it starts.

- During the tenancy, the tenant must test and clean each alarm at least once every 12 months.

- Each alarm must be replaced within 10 years after the day it was manufactured.

- An interconnected photoelectric alarm with a 10 year battery costs $181.50 including GST, supplied and installed.

### What must a Queensland rental property have for smoke alarm compliance?

The Residential Tenancies Authority states that all rental properties in Queensland classed as a domestic dwelling under the Fire Services Act 1990 must have interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms installed. Its [smoke alarms page for rentals](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) lists houses, townhouses, units, apartments and secondary dwellings such as granny flats.

This checklist puts the Queensland Fire Department’s [alarm type and location rules](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) beside the checks due before each lease.

Pre lease smoke alarm checklist for a Queensland rental property, rules checked 4 October 2026

| Check | What the rule says | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Locations | Each storey, each bedroom, and hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling | [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) |
| Type | Photoelectric, marked Australian Standard 3786-2014, with no ionisation sensor | [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) |
| Interconnection | Connected to every other smoke alarm in the dwelling, so all go off together | [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) |
| Power | Hardwired by a licensed electrician with a secondary power source, or a 10 year non removable battery | [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) |
| Age | Replaced within 10 years after the day the alarm was manufactured | [Act, section 148A](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1990-010#sec.148A) |
| Test and clean | Each alarm, within 30 days before the tenancy starts | [Act, sections 148B and 148E](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1990-010#sec.148B) |
| Batteries | Flat or nearly flat batteries replaced within 30 days before the lease begins or is renewed | [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) |
| Entry condition report | Smoke alarms are listed as a reportable item | [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) |

Where there is no hallway, the alarm goes between the bedroom and other parts of the storey. A storey with no bedrooms needs at least one alarm in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling. Both rules are on the [Queensland Fire Department page](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms).

**Where these rules come from**

These rules for rental properties come from the [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms), the [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) and the [Fire Services Act 1990](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1990-010#sec.147Z). For a specific tenancy, check those pages or ask the Residential Tenancies Authority.

### Compliance dates for rentals and owner occupied homes

The date depends on whether the home is rented or owner occupied.

When a home must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms, rules checked 4 October 2026

| Type of home | Must comply | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Rental property | Once a new tenancy starts or an existing tenancy is renewed after 31 December 2021 | [Section 147Z of the Fire Services Act 1990](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1990-010#sec.147Z) |
| Owner occupied home | By 1 January 2027 | [Queensland Government](https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/fire/smoke-alarms) |

The Queensland Government puts the date for leased and sold homes this way on its[early responsibilities page](https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/advice-buying-home/tips-for-new-home-owners/early-responsibilities): “From 1 January 2022, these requirements will apply to all houses leased and sold.” The Queensland Fire Department’s [smoke alarm questions page](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms/faq) says anyone selling, renting or re-renting a dwelling must already have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed.

An owner occupied home has longer. The Queensland Government states that all existing private homes, townhouses and units require interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 1 January 2027, on its [smoke alarms page for all homes](https://www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/fire/smoke-alarms). Our guide to the [Queensland smoke alarm laws and the 2027 deadline](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/qld-smoke-alarm-laws-2027-deadline/) covers those homes.

### Before each tenancy: what the owner or property manager must do

The [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) states that within 30 days before the start of a tenancy, the lessor or landlord must test and clean each smoke alarm in the home. The [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) adds that the test is also required before the start of a renewed tenancy.

Under [section 148A of the Act](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1990-010#sec.148A), the owner must immediately replace a smoke alarm that does not operate when tested. If the old alarm was hardwired, the replacement must be hardwired too.

 One of our electricians fitting a ceiling fixture. Hardwired work at the ceiling is a job for a licensed electrician.

**Don’t remove, paint or cover a smoke alarm.** The [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) states that property managers, owners and tenants must not remove smoke alarms or do anything to reduce their effectiveness, such as painting or covering them.

### The tenant’s duties during the tenancy

During the tenancy, these duties sit with the tenant.

- Test and clean each smoke alarm at least once every 12 months.

- Replace any flat or nearly flat batteries during the tenancy, as the [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) states.

- Advise the lessor as soon as practicable when the tenant is aware that a smoke alarm has failed or is about to fail, for a reason other than a flat battery. That duty is in [section 148D of the Act](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1990-010#sec.148D).

The Residential Tenancies Authority also notes that repairs to a smoke alarm that is not working may be considered emergency repairs.

### What does it cost to fit compliant alarms in a rental?

An interconnected photoelectric smoke alarm with a 10 year battery costs $181.50 including GST, supplied and installed by Faze. A typical three bedroom home needs four alarms, which is $726 including GST.

**$181.50**per alarm including GST, supplied and installed

**$726**four alarms including GST, a typical three bedroom home

Both prices are on our [pricing page](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/pricing/). Four is typical, not a rule. The count follows the floor plan, and our guide to [how many smoke alarms a Queensland home needs](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/how-many-smoke-alarms-does-my-queensland-home-need/) shows how to count. Totals for other alarm numbers are in our [smoke alarm installation cost guide](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/smoke-alarm-installation-cost/).

**240 volt smoke alarms must be connected by a licensed electrician.** That’s stated on the Queensland Fire Department’s [page of smoke alarm questions](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms/faq). Hardwired (240 volt) alarm replacement is quoted separately.

 Two of our electricians on a job. Queensland Electrical Contractor Licence 90552.

Electrical work by Faze carries a 12 month workmanship warranty. Our [smoke alarm installation Brisbane](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/smoke-alarm-installation-brisbane/) page describes the service. We’re licensed [electricians in Logan](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/), and we work across Logan, Brisbane southside, Ipswich, Springfield Lakes and the northern Gold Coast.

[Get an instant price & book online](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/book-online/) Call 07 4428 2766

### The paperwork that comes with the work

When we finish electrical work, we give you a certificate of testing and compliance. The [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) states that hardwired interconnected smoke alarms installed by a licensed electrician require that certificate.

 Inside a new switchboard. When we finish electrical work like this, you get a certificate of testing and compliance.

The department’s [answers on testing and cleaning](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms/faq) say a real estate agent may request a “certificate of compliance” from a smoke alarm maintenance company as proof of service. It adds that this is not a legal requirement, but may be part of the agent’s internal process.

**Does your agency need a smoke alarm report or certificate for its file?** Ask our office when you book. The office will confirm whether one is issued for your job and what the document is called.

### Selling a rental property triggers the same standard

The [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) states that when a contract of sale is signed after 31 December 2021, the seller is obligated to upgrade the dwelling before it is transferred. The department says the seller declares this to the buyer on the property transfer form, commonly known as a Form 24.

### What are the penalties for not complying?

**The maximum penalty is 5 penalty units for each failure to install, replace, test or clean an alarm.** It’s set by the [Fire Services Act 1990, sections 147Z to 148F](https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-1990-010#sec.147Z). The same maximum applies to not replacing flat batteries, to removing or interfering with an alarm, and to the tenant’s duties.

The [Queensland Fire Department](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms) states that property owners and landlords will receive an infringement notice if they are proven to have not complied with the legislation.

We haven’t converted penalty units to dollars. The Queensland Government’s [fine penalty unit costs page](https://www.qld.gov.au/justice/fines-and-notices/penalty-unit-costs) explains penalty units and links to the current value.

### Common questions about smoke alarms in rental properties

#### Does an electrician have to test and clean the alarms?

No. The Queensland Fire Department’s [answer on qualifications](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms/faq) states there is no legal requirement for any qualification or certification to test or clean a domestic smoke alarm.

#### Can the tenant do the test before a new lease?

No. The [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) states that a property manager or owner must not pass on their obligations to the tenant. Its example is asking a tenant to test smoke alarms at the start of a tenancy.

#### How much notice does a tenant need before smoke alarm work?

The [Residential Tenancies Authority](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance/smoke-alarms) says the property manager or owner must give the tenant an entry notice 48 hours before work to install, maintain, test or replace smoke alarms.

Our advice

Run the checklist in this guide before every lease, and book the test and clean inside the 30 days before the tenancy starts. Don’t hand that job to the tenant. If an alarm doesn’t operate when tested, replace it straight away, hardwired for hardwired.

Get a fixed price for smoke alarms in your rental

Text us the suburb and the number of bedrooms and storeys. Our automated quote assistant answers the text line at any hour.

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Prices current as of 4 October 2026 and include GST. Rules checked 4 October 2026 against the sources linked above. This article is general information, not legal advice.

### Related guides

[Electrical Safety Inspection Cost: What to Expect in 2026](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/electrical-safety-inspection-cost/)[Smoke alarm installation cost in Queensland (2026 prices)](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/smoke-alarm-installation-cost/)[How to test a safety switch, and when to book a safety switch inspection](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/how-to-test-a-safety-switch/)

- [How Often Should You Get an Electrical Safety Check?](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/how-often-should-you-get-an-electrical-safety-check/)
- [What Causes Lights to Flicker? A Queensland Home Guide](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/what-causes-lights-to-flicker/)

All guides: [electrical and air conditioning guides](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/guides/).

Written by the Faze Electrical & Airconditioning team, Woodridge

Licensed electricians and ARCtick refrigeration technicians, Queensland Electrical Contractor Licence 90552 and ARCtick L181564. We install and service split systems and do the electrical across Logan, Brisbane southside, Ipswich and the northern Gold Coast.

[About Faze](https://www.fazeelectrical.com.au/about/) | Call 07 4428 2766 | Text 0489 275 747

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