Smoke alarms in Australia (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Smoke alarm duties for existing homes and rented homes are set by state and territory law, and requirements differ, so no national value is given.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Smoke alarm legally required in homesSmoke alarms in dwellings | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Minimum alarms and whereSmoke alarms in dwellings | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Who must fit the alarmsSmoke alarms in dwellings | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Who must keep them workingSmoke alarms in dwellings | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Date the duty applies (existing homes: compliance date)Smoke alarms in dwellings | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Set by state and territory law and not read, so no national value is given.
Related pages
Australia: rules by state or province
| Country | Smoke alarm legally required in homes | Minimum alarms and where | Who must fit the alarms | Who must keep them working | Date the duty applies (existing homes: compliance date) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | Yes, all homes | Smoke alarms in dwellings: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises. Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rented homes: At least one smoke alarm in a hallway outside a bedroom, or another suitable location, on each storey of the rented home. | Smoke alarms in dwellings: Owner Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rented homes: Landlord | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rented homes: Landlord | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Victoria | Yes, all homes | One per level, plus by bedrooms | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rental properties: Rental provider | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rental properties: Rental provider | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Queensland | Yes, all homes | A smoke alarm in each bedroom. For each storey with bedrooms: in the hallway that a bedroom door opens onto (or, if a bedroom has no door to a hallway, in the part of the storey between that bedroom and the rest of the dwelling). For a storey with no bedrooms: on the most likely path of travel to an exit. All alarms must be interconnected. | Owner | ⚠ Not yet verified | 1 January 2027 |
| Western Australia | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rented or hired dwellings: Yes, on rent or hire | ⚠ Not yet verified | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rented or hired dwellings: Owner | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rented or hired dwellings: Lessor or owner | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| South Australia | Yes, all homes | ⚠ Not yet verified | Smoke alarms in dwellings: Owner Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rental properties: Landlord | Smoke alarms in dwellings: Owner Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rental properties: Landlord | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Tasmania | Yes, all homes | Smoke alarms in dwellings: A smoke alarm in every hallway or corridor connected to bedrooms (or between the bedrooms and the rest of the home if there is no hallway). Multi-storey homes need an alarm on each level, including levels without bedrooms. Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rental properties: Smoke alarms are required in all hallways and at the top of all stairways. | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Rental properties: Property owner | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Australian Capital Territory | Yes, compulsory | On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected. | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Northern Territory | Yes, all homes | ⚠ Not yet verified | Smoke alarms in dwellings: Owner Smoke alarms in dwellings, Sold or rented homes: Landlord or seller | Smoke alarms in dwellings, Tenanted homes: Tenant | 1 November 2011 |
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.