As the winter chill sets in over Queensland, more people are using their dryers, heaters, or fireplaces – so it’s important to check that your rental property is compliant with current fire and safety laws. 

New laws came in on 1 January 2022 stating that, before a tenancy starts or a renewed agreement is signed, Queensland residential rental properties must be fitted with interconnected smoke alarms to ensure the safety of occupants and avoid non-compliance penalties.  

Under the Fire and Emergency Services (Domestic Smoke Alarms) Amendment Act 2016 (Qld), property managers/owners must also: 

• replace broken or expired smoke alarms (10 years past manufacture date) before or during a tenancy 
• test and clean all smoke alarms within the 30 days before a tenancy commences 
• replace any flat or near flat batteries before a tenancy commences. 

Tenants/residents must: 

• test and clean smoke alarms at least once a year 
• replace any flat or near flat batteries during the tenancy 
• notify property managers/owners immediately if a smoke alarm is not working, for a reason other than battery failure 
• permit property owners/managers entry to install smoke alarms 
• not remove smoke alarm batteries or do anything to reduce the effectiveness of the alarm. 

Find out more about your responsibilities via the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website or watch our Smoke alarm changes with QFES webinar.  

You can also find out more tips about how to look after your rental in the colder months in our recent news story about preparing for winter.