An upgraded home complies with the latest requirements of the Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Bill 2016. Under this law, smoke alarms in properties for sale must be photoelectric, less than 10 years old, and meet the Australian Standard 3786:2014. They must also be interconnected so that all alarms activate simultaneously and be either hard-wired or powered by a non-removable 10-year lithium battery, or a combination of both.

In terms of placement, smoke alarms must be installed on every storey, in each bedroom, and in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the property. If there is no hallway, the alarms should be positioned between the bedrooms and other areas of the storey.

It is important to note that existing hard-wired 240v alarms must not be replaced with wireless alarms. However, if you are installing an alarm in an area that currently has no alarm or only a 9v alarm, you may choose either a hard-wired or a 10-year lithium wireless alarm.

Inter-connecting smoke alarms are able to communicate with each other whether they are hard-wired, wireless or a mixture of both. If there is a fire this means that all the alarms will sound simultaneously ensuring everyone in the house is alerted. 

While the cheapest model on offer may be tempting, it is not always the best value. Quality smoke alarms may require more of an initial investment, but their higher quality components cope better with the harsh, humid Queensland environment.

At Coast Smoke Alarms, our preferred model of smoke alarm is Cavius. All Cavius smoke alarms are individually built by hand and contain the highest quality components. Backed by a 10-year warranty, the complete lifespan of the smoke alarm, these Danish-designed alarms are the best value for money alarms that we stock.

Yes, smoke alarms must be upgraded before selling a property. As of January 1, 2022, all homes or units being sold must have hardwired, photoelectric, and interconnected smoke alarms. It is the seller’s responsibility to ensure the property is compliant before settlement.

The smoke alarms must be photoelectric (AS3786-2014) and must not contain an ionisation sensor. If the existing alarms are hardwired, they must be replaced with hardwired alarms. Otherwise, the new alarms can be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery, or a combination of both. Additionally, all smoke alarms must be interconnected so that they activate simultaneously.

Smoke alarms must be installed on every storey, in each bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling, and if there is no hallway, between the bedroom and other areas. If there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be placed along the most likely exit path.

Some property managers may request a ‘Certificate of Compliance’ from third-party companies servicing your smoke alarms. This is not a legal requirement determined by Queensland Government, but rather a way of ensuring that their records are all in order and that they can be satisfied the property they are managing is best prepared in case of a fire. This process is highly unique to each company and property agency and is normally dealt with directly by the two parties, but you may encounter it from time to time. Having a third party like Coast Smoke Alarms look after your smoke alarm compliance gives landlords and tenants peace of mind that the smoke alarms are working. These checks are carried out before every new lease or tenancy, or at least once a year.

If you’re selling or renting a property in Queensland, it must comply with the latest smoke alarm legislation. This requires photoelectric, interconnected alarms that are less than 10 years old and meet Australian Standard 3786:2014. They must be hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year lithium battery and installed in each bedroom, hallways connecting bedrooms, and every storey.

Important: Existing hard-wired 240v alarms cannot be replaced with wireless alarms. However, if installing in an area without an alarm or with a 9v alarm, you may use either a hardwired or 10-year lithium wireless alarm.