Smoke alarm rules when selling a house in Queensland changed significantly from 1 January 2022, and they still catch sellers out. If a contract of sale is signed, the home must be fitted with interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in every bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the home, and on every storey. Here is what that means in practice and how to get compliant before you list.
What the legislation requires
Queensland requires photoelectric smoke alarms that are either hardwired to mains power or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery. They must be interconnected, so when one alarm sounds, they all sound. Alarms must be installed in each bedroom, in connecting hallways, and on each level of the home, and they must be less than 10 years old. The full requirements are published by the Queensland Government.
Why sellers leave it too late
Compliance is a settlement obligation, and buyers’ solicitors check it. Retrofitting interconnected alarms takes a licensed electrician if you choose hardwired units, and even wireless-interconnected models need correct placement to comply. Booking this work during a contract’s final week adds pressure you do not need. The better order is: get the alarms sorted, then list.
Hardwired or wireless interconnection?
Both can comply. Hardwired alarms suit homes that already have older mains-powered alarms being replaced, since the wiring is there. Wireless-interconnected 10-year battery alarms avoid new cabling and suit homes that never had wired alarms. We assess what your home already has and recommend the cheaper compliant path, not the biggest job.
What we do
Crusader Electrical & Air supplies and installs compliant interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms across Brisbane, tests existing alarms, and replaces units that are past their 10-year life. See our smoke alarm testing and installation service for details, or call 07 3060 9105. Every installation is tested and certified by a licensed electrician (Electrical Contractor Licence 91149).
Landlords have the same rules
The 2022 requirements also apply to any new lease or lease renewal, so if you are keeping the property and renting it out instead of selling, the same upgrade applies. From 2027, the requirements extend to all Queensland homes regardless of sale or lease, so this work is coming for every homeowner eventually. Doing it once, properly, ends the issue.
