From 1 January 2027, every Queensland home must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms compliant with AS 3786:2014. Rentals and homes being sold have needed them since 2022; 2027 extends the rule to owner-occupied houses too. This guide covers who's affected, what "compliant" means, what it costs, and why booking early beats the rush.
Who's affected
If you own the home you live in, this is your deadline: landlords and sellers already comply under the 2022 rules (see our landlord obligations guide and selling a house guide). By 2027, every Queensland dwelling, rented, sold or owner-occupied, meets the same interconnected photoelectric standard.
What "compliant" actually means
By 2027 your home's alarms must be:
- Photoelectric, compliant with AS 3786:2014, not ionisation.
- Interconnected: when one sounds, they all sound, so a fire anywhere wakes you.
- Placed correctly: every bedroom, hallways connecting bedrooms, and every storey.
- Powered correctly: 240V hardwired or a non-removable 10-year lithium battery.
Photoelectric alarms detect slow, smouldering fires far earlier than ionisation types, which is why the standard requires them. Full legal detail: our QLD smoke alarm legislation guide.
What it costs
Upgrades start at $125 per alarm (WATCH) or $165 per alarm (premium RED), both interconnected photoelectric with 10-year warranties, certificate and controller included. A typical three-bedroom home needs four to five alarms: a full upgrade runs $500 to $625 with WATCH, or $660 to $825 with RED. Use the estimator below for a figure tailored to your home.