Do I have to upgrade smoke alarms to sell my house in QLD?

Yes. Since 1 January 2022, a property sold in Queensland must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms compliant with AS 3786:2014 by settlement. The seller declares the alarm status in the contract, so it's best done before listing.

What do I declare about smoke alarms in the sale contract?

The standard REIQ contract includes a smoke alarm declaration where the seller confirms the property complies with the smoke alarm requirements. Having compliant alarms and a certificate ready means you can complete that declaration accurately.

When is the best time to upgrade before selling?

Before you list. It lets you declare compliant alarms from the start, avoids a rush between contract and settlement, and keeps the buyer's solicitor from holding up the deal. We move quickly on pre-sale upgrades.

Selling a House in QLD? Smoke Alarm Rules Explained

Selling a house?
The alarm rules.

When you sell a home in Queensland, smoke alarm compliance stops being a "someday" job and becomes part of the contract. Since 1 January 2022, a property being sold must have interconnected photoelectric alarms compliant with AS 3786:2014 by settlement, and the seller declares the alarm status in the sale contract. This guide covers what you declare, what a buyer's solicitor typically asks for, and, the part that saves the most stress, when to get the upgrade done.

What the seller declares

The standard contract of sale includes a smoke alarm declaration confirming the property complies with Queensland's requirements. To complete that accurately you need compliant interconnected photoelectric alarms in place and, ideally, a certificate on file. Sorting this before you sign anything makes the declaration straightforward rather than a last-minute correction.

What the buyer's solicitor asks for

Buyers and their solicitors increasingly ask for evidence: a certificate of compliance confirming interconnected photoelectric alarms to AS 3786:2014, installed by a licensed electrician. Having it ready keeps conveyancing moving and avoids a hold-up close to settlement. Every Quickcheck upgrade includes that certificate.

Timing: before listing, not between contract and settlement

The single biggest mistake sellers make is leaving the upgrade until a contract is signed, when settlement dates, installer availability and solicitor requests all collide. Upgrading before you list lets you market a compliant, ready home, complete the declaration cleanly, and remove a common source of delay. Our pre-sale compliance service is built for exactly this, and we move quickly.

For agents

Agents across the Wide Bay refer sellers to us because it's a fixed, published price, done in one visit, with the paperwork the contract needs. If you list in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Maryborough or surrounding towns, a fast pre-sale upgrade removes a recurring settlement headache.

What if the alarms aren't compliant at settlement?

Non-compliance can complicate settlement and expose the seller under the contract declaration. It's cleaner to upgrade before listing so the property is compliant throughout the sale. Already under contract? Call us; we'll prioritise it.

How much does a pre-sale upgrade cost?

From $125 per alarm. A typical three-bedroom home needs 4–5 alarms: $500 to $625 with our WATCH brand, or $660 to $825 with premium RED, certificate included. Estimate your home here.

Upgrade before you list.

Compliant alarms and a certificate ready for the contract, fast.

Book a pre-sale upgrade (07) 4159 1997

Selling a house?The alarm rules.