The standard a rental has to meet
Rental homes have needed interconnected photoelectric alarms since 1 January 2022. The Queensland Government sets out the requirements, and the rest of the state catches up on 1 January 2027, when every Queensland home must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms.
For a rental, the alarms have to tick every one of these:
- Alarms must meet AS 3786:2014 and must not contain an ionisation sensor.
- Alarms go in every bedroom, in hallways that connect bedrooms, and on every level.
- Compliant alarms are hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery.
- Alarms must be less than 10 years old.
- They must be interconnected, so one sounding sets off the others.
The placement rule is on the Queensland Government's buying smoke alarms page. It is worth reading if the property has been extended or a room has changed use, since a new bedroom means a new alarm.
Who tests, and when
The testing duties are split between landlord and tenant. According to the Residential Tenancies Authority, landlords must test smoke alarms within 30 days before a tenancy starts. Tenants test and clean them at least every 12 months.
For a property manager, the 30-day window is the one to build into the leasing checklist, alongside keys, the entry condition report and everything else that happens before a new tenant moves in. The RTA page is the one to read for the detail.
If testing or a routine look turns up an alarm that is 10 years old or more, or one that doesn't meet the standard above, it needs replacing. Hardwired alarms must be installed by a licensed electrician, and a hardwired alarm must be replaced with a hardwired alarm. Swapping a dead hardwired unit for a stick-on battery alarm is not an option.
Safety switches have their own timing
Smoke alarms are not the only rental rule with a clock on it. According to the Electrical Safety Office:
- Rental homes need safety switches on power point circuits within 90 days after a tenancy starts.
- If you buy a home without a safety switch on the power point circuits, one must be installed within 90 days of the property transfer. That is worth knowing when buying an investment property.
- Only a licensed electrician can install a safety switch.
If the switchboard has no room for safety switches, the switchboard upgrades page explains what that work involves.
More generally, electrical work in Queensland must be done by a licensed electrician, and DIY electrical work is illegal. ## What to arrange with the electrician
P4 does smoke alarms, safety switches and repairs for rental properties, and every job is quoted. A few things keep a rental job moving:
- Send the property address, the tenant's name and phone number, and let the tenant know P4 will be in touch
- If nobody will be home, arrange keys before the booked day
- Mention pets, locked gates or anything else that affects getting in
- Say if the property is vacant; between tenancies is the easiest time to get several jobs done at once
- Tell us who should get the paperwork: the agency, the owner or both
P4 works Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm, so access needs to fall inside those hours. After-hours work can't be promised.
After the work you get an invoice and a certificate for the electrical work. Keep both on the property file.
Most of the work is specific jobs, such as alarms, safety switches and repairs. Jamie also does electrical safety audits if you'd like the whole property looked over.
Tenants and EV chargers
One more rental question comes up more often now. Tenants need approval from the owner or property manager before an EV charger is installed in a rental, according to the Residential Tenancies Authority. If a tenant asks, the decision sits with the owner. The installation side is covered on the EV chargers page.
