Legislation passed in Queensland parliament in 2016 will see the state become the first to introduce the requirement that interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms be fitted in every home. The legislation will make Queensland households the safest in Australia in relation to fire safety.

The new legislation specifies the type, positioning, and interconnectedness of alarms, which are critical factors for an early warning and quick escape during a house fire. Photoelectric smoke alarms see smoke and will alert you early, so you can escape, whilst, interconnected alarms will alert you no matter where you are, or where the fire starts.

These changes commenced on 1 January 2017 and are to be phased in over a 10 year period. From commencement, if an existing smoke alarm needs to be replaced, it is to be replaced by a photoelectric smoke alarm.

New or substantially renovated homes will need to be compliant with the new smoke alarm provisions.

After five years from commencement, all dwellings that are sold or leased will need to be in compliance at the time a Tenancy Agreement or Contract of Sale is entered into.

All other homes will be required to be in compliance within 10 years of commencement.