# What smoke alarms does Queensland require? 1. [Home](https://arlite.co/) 2. [Support](https://arlite.co/support/) 3. [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) 4. What smoke alarms does Queensland require? **Browse support** [Support home](https://arlite.co/support/) [Solar](https://arlite.co/support/solar/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/solar/) - [How does a solar power system work in a Brisbane home?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/how-does-a-solar-power-system-work-in-a-brisbane-home/) - [How do I turn off a solar inverter safely?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/turn-off-solar-inverter-safely/) - [Do solar panels work during a blackout?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/solar-during-power-outage/) - [Can I add a battery to my existing solar system?](https://arlite.co/support/solar/add-battery-to-existing-solar-system/) - [Hail or storm damage to solar panels: what to do](https://arlite.co/support/solar/hail-storm-damaged-solar-panels-what-to-do/) [Air conditioning](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/) - [Why is my air conditioner not cooling or heating properly?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-not-cooling-or-heating/) - [Why is my air conditioner leaking water inside?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-leaking-water-inside/) - [Why does my air conditioner smell musty or like dirty socks?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/air-conditioner-smells-musty-dirty-socks/) - [Can solar panels run my air conditioner at night?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/can-solar-panels-run-my-air-conditioner/) - [What should I ask before getting an air conditioner installed?](https://arlite.co/support/air-conditioning/questions-to-ask-before-air-conditioner-installation/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) - [What smoke alarms does Queensland require?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/) - [Why does my circuit breaker keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/circuit-breaker-keeps-tripping/) - [Why does my safety switch keep tripping?](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/safety-switch-keeps-tripping/) - [Burning smell or hot power point: what to do right now](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/burning-smell-hot-power-point/) - [Why is there no hot water? Electrical faults explained](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/no-hot-water-electrical-checks/) [Costs and finance](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/)[View all](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/) - [How does interest-free finance work for home energy upgrades?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/interest-free-finance-home-energy-upgrades/) - [What affects the cost of a home battery in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/what-affects-home-battery-cost-brisbane/) - [Can I get compensation for a power outage in Queensland?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/power-outage-compensation-energex/) - [How much does an electrician cost per hour in Brisbane?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/electrician-cost-brisbane/) - [What affects switchboard upgrade cost?](https://arlite.co/support/costs-and-finance/switchboard-upgrade-cost/) [Electrical](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/) Queensland needs photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in every home, with existing homes required to comply by 1 January 2027. By Aaron Midgley, Arlite Energy Last reviewed 30 October 2026 4 minute read **No DIY.** Electrical work must be done by a licensed electrician. Never open, repair, test or modify electrical equipment yourself, even if it looks simple. This guide explains what is happening; it is not a how-to. **On this page** 1. Which smoke alarms are required? 2. What is the 2027 deadline? 3. Who can install or replace smoke alarms? 4. What if I rent out my home or am renting? 5. What happens if my home does not comply? 6. Why does this matter? 7. How to get ready for the deadline 8. Frequently asked questions Queensland requires photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home, and on each level, meeting the relevant Australian Standard. Homes sold or leased have needed them since 1 January 2022, and all existing homes need them by 1 January 2027. Check the official QFES guidance. ## Which smoke alarms are required? According to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) material, a compliant home needs alarms that are: - Photoelectric, meaning they sense the visible smoke particles typical of smouldering fires. - Interconnected, so that when one alarm sounds, all of them sound. - Located in every bedroom, in hallways connecting bedrooms with the rest of the home, and on each storey. - Compliant with the relevant Australian Standard for smoke alarms. The QFES [smoke alarm FAQ](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/prepare/fire/smoke-alarms/faq) is the official source. ## What is the 2027 deadline? The requirements phase in by situation: - Homes being sold or leased: the rules have applied from 1 January 2022. - All other existing homes: by 1 January 2027. - Owner-occupied homes bought before 1 January 2022 follow the later date. Some commercial and agent websites describe the rules more broadly or loosely than QFES does. Follow the official wording, and check it again before you act because the details can change. If an alarm sounds and there is smoke or fire Get everyone out, stay out and call **000**. Do not go back inside for belongings. Do not use water on an electrical fire. If an alarm keeps sounding with no sign of fire, or it behaves strangely, do not take it down or tamper with it. Contact a licensed electrician or the alarm manufacturer. ## Who can install or replace smoke alarms? It depends on the type. Hardwired alarms are connected to the home’s mains wiring, and that work must be done by a licensed electrician in Queensland. The Electrical Safety Office Queensland is the regulator. Wireless units with sealed batteries may be different, so ask the retailer or a licensed electrician which suits your home and what Queensland rules require. Interconnection and placement are where homes most often fall short, because older homes may have a single alarm or alarms that are not linked. A licensed electrician can look at your current setup, advise on what is needed, and carry out the work. ## What if I rent out my home or am renting? Rental properties have specific smoke alarm requirements in Queensland. Check with QFES and the Residential Tenancies Authority for what applies to lessors and tenants. If you are a tenant, speak to your landlord or agent. Do not alter the alarms yourself. ## What happens if my home does not comply? The consequences depend on your situation, and we have not quoted penalties here. QFES and the Residential Tenancies Authority are the sources to check. The practical point is simpler: an alarm that is missing, old or not interconnected may not warn you in time. ## Why does this matter? Smoke alarms give early warning of a fire, especially at night when people are asleep. The rules aim to make sure every home has alarms that sense different kinds of fire and warn everyone in the home at once. ## How to get ready for the deadline 1. Read the official guidance — Read the QFES information sheet and FAQ to understand which rule applies to your situation. 2. Make a list of your home — Note how many bedrooms, hallways and storeys you have and where alarms currently are. Look at them from the floor; do not take them down. 3. Ask a licensed electrician to assess — Ask a licensed electrician to check what you have and what is needed, and to quote for any work. 4. Keep the records — Keep invoices and any paperwork for the alarms, as you may need them for a sale, lease or insurance. ## Frequently asked questions - Photoelectric, interconnected alarms that meet the relevant Australian Standard, placed in every bedroom, connecting hallways and on each storey, according to QFES material. - QFES material says all existing homes need compliant alarms by 1 January 2027. Homes being sold or leased have needed them since 1 January 2022. - A licensed electrician must do any hardwired alarm work. Ask the retailer or a licensed electrician about sealed-battery units and what Queensland rules require. - When one alarm detects smoke, all the alarms in the home sound together, so everyone is warned wherever the fire starts. - Rental properties have specific requirements. Check with QFES and the Residential Tenancies Authority, and tell your landlord or agent about any concerns. [Learn about Electrical](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/) Related services: [Smoke Alarms](https://arlite.co/services/electrical/smoke-alarms/) ## Official guidance For the rules and safety information that apply to your home, go to the regulators and industry bodies directly. - [Electrical Safety Office Queensland](https://www.electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/) - [Energex](https://www.energex.com.au/) Was this helpful? Written by the team at Arlite Energy, a Brisbane business that designs and installs solar, air conditioning and electrical work for homes and businesses. We write these guides in plain English so you know what is happening in your home. ## Related articles - [ElectricalSmoke alarm chirping or expired: what now?A chirping smoke alarm usually means a low battery or end of life; alarms are generally replaced after 10 years and hardwired ones need an electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/smoke-alarm-chirping-replace-queensland/) - [ElectricalHow do I know if my appliances are safe?Look for damage and warning signs, check recall notices and the RCM mark, and have secondhand items checked by a licensed electrician.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/are-my-appliances-safe/) - [ElectricalWhat do I do in an electrical emergency, fire or shock?For fire, smoke, sparks, a shock or anyone hurt, get everyone out and call 000, and do not touch the equipment or the person.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/electrical-emergency-what-to-do/) - [ElectricalHow do I check my electrician is licensed in Queensland?Ask for the electrician's licence number and look it up on the Electrical Safety Office Queensland's online licence search before work starts.](https://arlite.co/support/electrical/check-electrician-licence-queensland/) ## Still stuck? Tell us what is going on and we can arrange a call-out. [Book a call-out](https://arlite.co/contact/) On this page 1. Which smoke alarms are required? 2. What is the 2027 deadline? 3. Who can install or replace smoke alarms? 4. What if I rent out my home or am renting? 5. What happens if my home does not comply? 6. Why does this matter? 7. How to get ready for the deadline 8. Frequently asked questions --- **Arlite Energy**, Unit 1, 1468 Anzac Avenue, Kallangur QLD 4503. Phone [(07) 3062 9299](tel:+61730629299), email [info@arlite.co](mailto:info@arlite.co). Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm. Page: https://arlite.co/support/electrical/queensland-smoke-alarm-requirements/ Site index for agents: [llms.txt](https://arlite.co/llms.txt), [sitemap](https://arlite.co/wp-sitemap.xml), [developer resources](https://arlite.co/developers/).