By 1 January 2027, all existing private homes, townhouses, units and manufactured homes in Queensland need interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. This page explains what that means in plain English, what to check at your place, and what the Queensland Fire Department (QFD) asks you to do to keep your alarms working.

Sources checked 2 Nov 2026: Queensland Government, “Smoke alarms” (qld.gov.au), and QFD fact sheet “Smoke alarm laws are changing in Queensland” (fire.qld.gov.au).

The 1 January 2027 rule in short

  • The date: 1 January 2027.
  • Who it covers: all existing private homes, townhouses, units and manufactured homes in Queensland.
  • What’s needed: interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms. Interconnected means that when one alarm goes off, they all go off.
  • No ionisation sensors: the alarms must not contain an ionisation sensor.
  • The standard: smoke alarms must comply with Australian Standard AS 3786:2014, which is marked on the alarm.
  • Caravans and motorhomes: registered caravans and motorhomes must also be fitted with a photoelectric smoke alarm.

Source checked 2 Nov 2026: Queensland Government, “Smoke alarms” (page last updated 29 Oct 2026).

Manufactured homes are included

The Queensland Government’s statement of the 1 January 2027 rule names manufactured homes alongside private homes, townhouses and units. If you own or live in a manufactured home, the same requirements apply: interconnected photoelectric alarms, no ionisation sensor, and AS 3786:2014 marked on each alarm.

Placement follows QFD’s list for homes (below): every bedroom, every hallway or room connecting bedrooms, and every storey.

What “photoelectric” and “interconnected” mean

Photoelectric is the type of sensor in the alarm. QFD puts it simply: photoelectric alarms detect smoke using a light sensor.

Interconnected means the alarms are linked, so every alarm in the home sounds together. That way you hear it wherever you are in the house, not only near the one that detected smoke. QFD says this gives you more time to escape, because everyone in the home is alerted if there is a fire.

Check your smoke alarms before 1 January 2027

Start by looking for the code AS 3786-2014 on each alarm. The QFD fact sheet says that’s how to check whether an alarm meets the new requirements.

QFD then says to replace your smoke alarms if they:

  • contain an ionisation sensor;
  • are not interconnected; or
  • are more than 10 years old.

A quick way to test interconnection is to press the test button on one alarm and listen. If every alarm in the home sounds, they’re linked. If only the one you pressed sounds, they’re not.

Battery or mains power: which alarms can you fit?

QFD says compliant smoke alarms are powered by either a non-removable battery or mains power, and the difference matters for who can fit them.

  • Hardwired alarms are connected to mains power and must be installed by a qualified electrician.
  • If your current alarms are hardwired, the replacements must also be hardwired.
  • Wireless alarms have a non-removable 10-year battery, connect without wiring, and can be installed yourself.

So check what’s on your ceiling first. If it’s wired in, plan for hardwired replacements and an electrician. Our shop has both wireless alarms and 240V hardwired models, including the RED Professional range and the Emerald range.

Where do the alarms go?

QFD says smoke alarms must be installed:

  • in every bedroom;
  • in every hallway or room connecting bedrooms;
  • on every storey of the home; and
  • on the ceiling of registered caravans and motorhomes.

Exact positions within a room depend on your home’s layout.

If you rent or you’re a landlord

The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) sets out who does what in a rental:

  • The owner or property manager must test the alarms within 30 days before a tenancy starts or is renewed, and replace flat or nearly flat batteries.
  • The tenant must test and clean the alarms at least once every 12 months, replace flat batteries during the tenancy, and tell the owner or manager about any problem.
  • Neither side may remove an alarm or do anything that makes it less effective, such as painting or covering it.

Source checked 27 Oct 2026: Residential Tenancies Authority, “Smoke alarm laws: what you need to know in Queensland” (rta.qld.gov.au). Owners will find more in our landlord guide, and sellers in our post on selling a property in Queensland.

Keep your smoke alarms working

Meeting the 1 January 2027 date is the start, not the end. QFD asks you to:

  • test your smoke alarms every month to make sure they work properly;
  • clean away dust and insects with a vacuum or brush;
  • not block or cover them; and
  • never paint over them.

Make a home fire escape plan

QFD also asks every household to make and practise a home fire escape plan, so you and anyone in your home know how to get out quickly if there is a fire. Keep exits clear of clutter and trip hazards. When your new alarms are up, test them together so everyone knows the sound.

What we can do

We sell interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms from RED Smoke Alarms and Emerald Alarms and post them anywhere in Australia: standard delivery 4 to 7 business days ($14.95, free on orders of $200 and over) or Express 1 to 3 business days ($19.95). Every alarm is covered by the manufacturer’s warranty: 10 years from the date code on RED alarms, and up to 10 years from the date code on Emerald alarms.

If you’re not sure what you already have, tell us through the contact page or call (07) 3155 5017. That’s a fine place to start. Our service areas page lists the regions we cover.

Ask us a question

Quick questions

Is the deadline the same for every home?
The Queensland Government says all existing private homes, townhouses, units and manufactured homes need interconnected photoelectric alarms by 1 January 2027. Registered caravans and motorhomes must also be fitted with a photoelectric smoke alarm, which QFD says goes on the ceiling.

What does interconnected mean?
When one alarm sounds, they all sound.

My alarms still work. Do I need to change them?
It depends on what you have. QFD says to replace alarms that contain an ionisation sensor, aren’t interconnected, or are more than 10 years old. If you’re not sure, ask us.

Can I install the alarms myself?
QFD says wireless alarms, with a non-removable 10-year battery, can be installed yourself. Hardwired alarms must be installed by a qualified electrician.

I rent. Who looks after the alarms?
Both sides have a part. See the rental section above, or the RTA page.

How often should I test my alarms?
QFD says every month.

Where can I read the official rules?
On the Queensland Government smoke alarms page (qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/fire/smoke-alarms), the QFD website (fire.qld.gov.au) and the Residential Tenancies Authority page (rta.qld.gov.au).

This page is general information, not legal advice. Check the official sources above for your situation.

Sources