January 1, 2017, marked the day when Queensland owned the record as the only state in Australia with the most comprehensive smoke detector requirements. For homeowners, landlords, property managers, and residents, this means exerting effort in understanding and complying with the new rules.

With the influx of information on the internet about these requirements, it can be confusing when it comes to the specifics, such as the timeline of implementation, alarm technology to be used, etc. To simplify the seemingly complex legislation, here are answers to your most burning questions about the new smoke detector rules.

What is a photoelectric alarm? How is it compared to an ionisation smoke detector?

The new smoke alarm legislation specifies very strict rules on the type of smoke detector to be installed. According to the new regulations, only photoelectric smoke detectors must be used when a detector is replaced or installed. Compared to the ionisation detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors are found to be more effective at detecting fires and providing the earliest warning. They are also less likely to give false alarms.

How many smoke detectors must be installed? Where should I install the alarms?

The new Queensland smoke alarms Legislation requires that smoke alarms must be installed on:

• Each storey:
• In each bedroom; and
• In hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and
• If there are no bedrooms on a storey at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

This means that the number of smoke detectors to be installed in a home will vary depending on the structural feature of the property, the number of storeys, bedrooms, and hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the home.

I am renovating my property. Should I still comply with the new QLD smoke detectors requirements?

Substantial renovation applications that are submitted on or after January 1, 2017, will require a smoke detector to be installed in each bedroom of the dwelling.

What is the timeline for compliance?

• Properties for sale or rent must comply with the new smoke detector legislation by January 1, 2022. However, any new alarms going into a property must meet the new technology standards.
• Homeowners must comply with the new smoke detector legislation by January 1, 2027. However, any new smoke detectors going into a property must meet the new technology standards.

Are there any perks to meeting the requirements earlier?

A definite YES.

You’ve heard of the saying “The early bird catches the worm”. If you’re a property manager, complying sooner rather than later will make the property more appealing to safety conscious tenants. It will bode well for real estate agents, as well as it will put the house ahead of the market and in sale-ready condition. This makes the property easier to sell since buyers don’t want to deal with complications once they have made their purchase.

It’s not just a compliance issue. The new smoke detector legislation is all about your safety.

Compliance is necessary, but remember that at the core of these new rules is the intention of ensuring the safety of every home in Queensland. Follow the new regulations not only for the sake of compliance, but more for the protection of your buyer, tenants, or loved ones.

If you need to shed more light on the new smoke alarm rules, we’re here, ready to serve our local communities in Queensland! Complete the form below, and our experts will get in touch with you shortly to answer all your questions.