Queensland landlords have less than nine months to meet the final stage of the state’s smoke alarm legislation.
From 1 January 2027, every residential rental property in Queensland must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed in every bedroom, in every hallway connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling, and on every level of the property.
Not just photoelectric.
Interconnected.
This is where the gap tends to appear.
Many properties already have photoelectric smoke alarms from earlier stages of the legislation, installed at sale or when the tenancy last changed, and owners assume they are covered.
They may not be.
Photoelectric and interconnected are two separate requirements. A property can satisfy one without the other.
Compliant installation under the 2027 standard generally requires:
- Photoelectric alarms only
- Hardwired alarms with battery backup, or alarms powered by non-removable 10-year lithium batteries
- Interconnection throughout, either hardwired or wireless
- Installation in every bedroom, every connecting hallway and every level
Nine months sounds like adequate time. It is not once you factor in licensed electricians, compliant alarm supply, tenant access and correctly documenting the installation in the property records.
If you are not certain your property meets the 2027 standard, now is the time to check — not December.