Under the new legislation, every Queensland residence will need to be fitted with photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms in all bedrooms of the home as well as in hallways or between areas containing bedrooms.
Where possible alarms should be hardwired, otherwise a non-removable 10-year battery smoke alarm should be installed in place.
Different timeframes for compliance will apply depending on whether you’re building, renovating, buying, landlording or living in your own home.
Here’s what you need to know:
- New buildings, or significantly renovated dwellings, will need to be compliant with the new laws from 1 January 2017.
- Private dwellings will be required to comply with the new requirements within 10 years.
- Houses sold or leased will need to meet compliance within five years.
Need some help to make your property fire safe?
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has a free Safehome program where Queenslanders can request a visit from local firefighters who will advise them of the best locations for smoke alarms and suggest other fire safety initiatives around the home. To request a Safehome visit call 13QGOV or visit the QFES website.
Landlording with us? Contact us to update your property’s smoke alarms.