Selling smoke alarms
On this page you'll find information about the current requirements for smoke alarms and your obligations as a seller.
Smoke alarm requirements
On 1 January 2017, a new law about smoke alarms started in Queensland.
All new and substantially renovated homes, and all homes, and all homes being sold or leased, must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms installed. The alarms must be compliant with Australian Standard 3786:2014.
The smoke alarms must be:
- in every bedroom
- in hallways that connect bedrooms
- on each level of the home.
From 1 January 2027, these requirements will apply to all homes.
Before 2027, if a homeowner replaces a legally required smoke alarm they must replace it with a photoelectric smoke alarm that complies with Australian Standard 3786:2014.
It's the homeowner's responsibility to make the home compliant. Tenants aren't responsible for installing compliant smoke alarms.
Learn more about smoke alarm laws.
Installation and testing
A licensed electrician must install the alarms if the installation involves electrical work. Use the WorkSafe electrical licence search to check if an electrician is licensed. There are compliant smoke alarms available, such as wireless alarms, which don't require electrical work during installation.
Homeowners can test their own smoke alarms. Testing doesn't need to be done by a technician or electrician.
Your obligations
If you sell smoke alarms, or your business provides other services to do with fire safety in the home, you need to be aware of your responsibilities under the Australian Consumer Law.
Avoiding false and misleading representations
It's illegal for a business to tell a customer or homeowner something false or misleading.
Similarly, if you're a real estate agent or body corporate manager, you need to be careful the information you're passing on to your clients is accurate.
Make sure you're familiar with the current smoke alarm laws so you can be sure you're giving the right information.
Read more about avoiding false and misleading claims.
Door-to-door and telephone sales
There are extra rules you need to follow if you sell products or services by approaching consumers without invitation, either door-to-door or over the phone.
For more information, read the rules when selling door to door or telemarketing.
More information
- Visit Queensland Fire and Emergency Services' website for more information on smoke alarms.
- You can make a complaint if you believe a business is making misleading statements about smoke alarms or breaching door-to-door trading rules.