Queensland Smoke Alarm Rules: What Gold Coast Homeowners Must Have
4 min read · Safety · Published 2026-04-07
Queensland now requires interconnected photoelectric alarms in every bedroom and hallway of homes being sold or leased. Here is the full picture.
Queensland has the strictest smoke alarm laws in Australia. Homes sold or leased must already comply, and every other dwelling must comply by 2027. The requirements are specific about alarm type, placement and interconnection.
FitElec installs and certifies smoke alarms across the Gold Coast, including rental properties in Varsity Lakes and holiday lets in Coolangatta.
What compliant looks like
The legislation requires all of the following, working together.
- Photoelectric alarms only (no ionisation types)
- An alarm in every bedroom
- An alarm in hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the home
- At least one alarm on every storey
- All alarms interconnected, so every alarm sounds together
- Hardwired to mains or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery
Why interconnection matters
Most fatal house fires start while people sleep. An alarm sounding in a downstairs kitchen may not wake someone behind a closed bedroom door upstairs. Interconnection means the alarm beside your bed sounds the moment any alarm detects smoke.
Hardwired or wireless
Existing hardwired alarms must be replaced with hardwired versions, which is licensed electrical work. Wireless interconnected alarms with sealed 10-year batteries are a compliant option for homes without existing wiring. We install both.
Tip: Selling or renting triggers the requirement immediately. Do not wait for the 2027 deadline to find out your alarms fail.
Key takeaways
- Queensland requires interconnected photoelectric alarms in every bedroom, connecting hallway and storey.
- All remaining homes must comply by 2027; sales and leases trigger it now.
- Replacing hardwired alarms is licensed electrical work.
Frequently asked questions
- Do my existing alarms comply?
- If they are ionisation types, older than 10 years, or not interconnected, no. Check the manufacture date on the back and the alarm type. We can audit your home in one visit.
- How quickly can FitElec attend?
- We are open 24 hours for urgent electrical work and book standard jobs within days. Call Jayson on 0425 663 172 for a current schedule.
- Where does FitElec work?
- FitElec is based at Palm Beach and services the whole Gold Coast, from Coolangatta to Coomera and everywhere in between.
Related services
Questions? Call FitElec on 0425 663 172 — Gold Coast's licensed electricians.