Are you ready for the 2027 deadline? If you own and live in a property in Queensland, major changes to smoke alarm legislation are coming—and it’s essential to start planning your upgrades now.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 2027 owner occupier smoke alarm requirements, why they matter, and how you can make sure your home stays safe and compliant.
What’s Changing in 2027?
From 1 January 2027, all owner occupiers—that is, anyone who lives in their own home—will be required by law to have interconnected, photoelectric smoke alarms installed in their properties.
This legislation follows the requirements already in place for rental properties and properties sold or leased since 2022, expanding compliance to include every Queensland home.
What Type of Smoke Alarms Will You Need?
According to the Queensland Government, your smoke alarms must:
✔ Be photoelectric (AS 3786–2014 compliant)
✔ Not contain an ionisation sensor
✔ Be less than 10 years old
✔ Be interconnected with all other smoke alarms in the dwelling so they all sound when one is activated
✔ Be hardwired to the mains power or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery
Where Do the Smoke Alarms Need to Be Installed?
To comply with the 2027 legislation, smoke alarms must be installed:
- In each bedroom
- In hallways connecting bedrooms to the rest of the dwelling
- On each storey of the home
If there is no hallway, install alarms between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey. For homes without bedrooms on a level, install at least one smoke alarm in the most likely path to exit.
Why Is This So Important?
The new smoke alarm requirements are designed to save lives. Photoelectric smoke alarms are faster at detecting smouldering fires, giving you and your family precious extra minutes to escape.
Interconnected alarms ensure that if a fire starts anywhere in your home, everyone hears the alarm immediately—no matter where they are.
When Should You Upgrade?
While 2027 may seem far away, thousands of Queensland homeowners will need to upgrade before the deadline. Demand for professional installations is expected to surge in the lead-up to 1 January 2027.
Upgrading early means:
- You avoid the last-minute rush
- You ensure your family is protected right now
- You comply with legislation well before enforcement begins
How Better Home Compliance Can Help?
At Better Home Compliance, we make the process simple:
- We assess your home to identify exactly where alarms are required
- We supply and install compliant photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms
- We provide a compliance certificate for your records
Our qualified team ensures your smoke alarm upgrade is done quickly, professionally, and in full compliance with Queensland legislation.
Ready to Get Compliant?
Don’t wait until the deadline approaches. Stay ahead and keep your family safe by upgrading your smoke alarms now.
Contact Better Home Compliance today for an obligation-free quote and friendly advice.
