QLD Smoke Alarm Compliance - Are Your Smoke Alarms Compliant In Your Investment Property?

New smoke alarm legislation means all homes must install interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways, and on every level by 2022 for investment properties and by 2027 for owner occupiers.

Photoelectric smoke alarms respond to a wide range of fires but are particularly responsive to smouldering fires and dense smoke, the most common type of household fire.

Having interconnected alarms means when one alarm is activated, all alarms will sound. The extra time that gives, can make all the difference.

More laws that have come into play by January 2022: 

Smoke alarms in all dwellings must:

• be photoelectric (AS 3786-2014); and
• not also contain an ionisation sensor; and
• be less than 10 years old; and
• operate when tested; and
• be interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the dwelling so all activate together; and
• be either hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery

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

 

In addition to the above, property managers/owners are currently required to:

• test and clean smoke alarms and replace any flat or nearly flat batteries within 30 days before the start of a tenancy. This also includes a renewal tenancy. 
• not remove a smoke alarm or a battery (other than to replace it), or do anything to reduce the effectiveness of the alarm e.g. paint it

Tenants must:

• test and clean (by vacuuming or dusting) smoke alarms at least once every 12 months
• replace any flat or nearly flat batteries
• advise the property owner/manager if there is any issue with the alarm (apart from batteries)
• allow the property owner/manager right of entry to install smoke alarms
• not remove a smoke alarm or the battery (other than to replace it), or do anything to reduce the effectiveness of the alarm e.g. paint or cover it

 

Disclaimer: This blog post is not to be considered legal advice. If you are seeking specific legal advice we suggest that you consult a legal professional before making any significant decisions in this regard.

Reference: Queensland Governemt, New smoke alarm laws, https://www.qld.gov.au/about/newsroom/new-smoke-alarm-laws