By 1 January 2027, every bedroom, hallway and every level in each Queensland Property must have photoelectric smoke alarms which: - are less than 10 years old; - operate when tested; - are interconnected with every other smoke alarm in the Property so that all activate at the same time.
The smoke alarm must be hardwired to the dwelling’s electricity supply. Any newly built properties or substantially renovated homes must have smoke alarms hardwired to the mains power supply.
It is an offence under Queensland Fire and Emergency Services legislation not to have compliant smoke alarms installed in a property.
In accordance with the standard terms of residential contract for sale in Queensland, a purchaser is entitled to inspect the property for smoke alarms installed and, if compliant smoke alarms are not installed in the property by settlement, the purchaser is entitled to adjust the purchase price by 0.15% of the purchase price. This adjustment must be claimed before settlement as, otherwise, the purchaser will not be able to make any claim against the vendor with respect to the failure to install compliant smoke alarms and the purchaser will have to arrange for their installation immediately following settlement as fines may apply.
You should instruct us if you find that compliant smoke alarms are not installed so that we can advise you on your rights in this regard.