Be aware, not alarmed – Jeff Jones Real Estate

Don’t panic, investors will have plenty of time to ensure they comply with new smoke alarm legislation that comes into effect on 1 January 2022.

The misinformation regarding this important update continues. Many smoke alarm providers have fed a narrative coercing investors to carry out upgrades before 1 January 2022 with a fear they risk fines if not done. Some of the information is sourced directly from the QFES website e.g.

From 1 January 2022, landlords must install interconnected smoke alarms in residential rental properties.

Many have read statements like this and mistakenly thought the property can not be occupied after 1 January if the smoke alarms do not comply.

The QFES do attempt to further clarify this comment on subsequent pages.

From 1 January 2022, at the commencement of a new lease or lease renewal, you must ensure your dwelling / unit meets the requirements of the domestic smoke alarm legislation. This may involve installing interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms into the bedrooms in addition to the currently required smoke alarms.

Important: Compliance with the new legislation is only required when entering into a tenancy agreement (a new agreement or renewal of an existing agreement).

At Jeff Jones Real Estate we are advising clients of their obligations as January 2022 approaches. Smoke alarm contractors will advise the life span of the current installation and provide a summary of any upgrades required to meet the new legislation. Some clients are electing to carry out upgrades now whilst others are electing to wait until a tenancy commences after 1 January 2022.

For more information on these changes visit the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services’ website.