Smoke alarms in Queensland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Queensland owners must install smoke alarms in domestic dwellings, and interconnected photoelectric alarms are required in all existing homes by 1 January 2027. Alarms go in each bedroom and in hallways or exit paths on each storey.

RuleWhat applies
Smoke alarm legally required in homesSmoke alarms in dwellingsYes [1]
Minimum alarms and whereSmoke alarms in dwellingsA 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. [2]
Who must fit the alarmsSmoke alarms in dwellingsOwner [1]
Who must keep them workingSmoke alarms in dwellings⚠ Not yet verified
Date the duty applies (existing homes: compliance date)Smoke alarms in dwellings1 January 2027 [3]

Notes

  • Until 31 December 2026 s 147Y applies (alarms to AS 3786-2014, installed under the Building Code), and the interconnected-alarm rule in s 147Z applies on a sale, a new or renewed tenancy after 31 December 2021, or a substantial renovation. The Act provides that s 147Y and the limiting subsections of s 147Z expire on 31 December 2026, so s 147Z (interconnected alarms) applies to every domestic dwelling from 1 January 2027. qld.gov.au states the same: all existing private homes, townhouses and units need interconnected photoelectric alarms by 1 January 2027.
  • The duty is shared and does not fit one value: the lessor must test each alarm within 30 days before a tenancy starts (s 148B(1)) and replace expired or non-working alarms (s 148A); the tenant must test and clean at least every 12 months during the tenancy and replace flat batteries (Residential Tenancies Authority page).
  • This is the compliance date for existing homes that are not already caught by a sale, a new or renewed tenancy or a renovation. Rented homes with a new or renewed tenancy after 31 December 2021 were already caught.

Sources

  1. Queensland Government (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel): Fire Services Act 1990 (in force; Part 12, ss 147X-148B) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Queensland Government (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel): Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (in force; s 55C) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Queensland Government: Smoke alarms - qld.gov.au (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Queensland

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h (110 km/h where signed)
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container refund scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Zero tolerance · THC threshold: Any trace of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules plus age and licence · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while visiting · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or resident visa: Queensland licence after 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Some one-hand opening knives category M
  • MopedsLicence: Class RE or car licence
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Open/P2 only; L/P1 under 25: none
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravans
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.