Federal Legislation

Landlords must ensure their rental property is properly fitted with the required number of working smoke alarms, complying with the Australian Standard (3786:2014), and they are installed as outlined in the Building Code of Australia (BCA) part 3.7.2. This legislation is applicable to all states of Australia. Current Requirements means the legislative requirements stipulated by the Development Regulation 2008 and the National Construction Code. Considerations around compliance of the smoke alarms at the Inspection Address are the types of smoke alarms and smoke alarm installations, build dates, including dates of significant renovations, and building classes.

New dwellings and dwellings being substantially renovated

For existing dwellings, dwellings being sold, leased or an existing lease is renewed

Replacing Smoke Alarms

Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than ten years ago must be replaced. (Note: Smoke alarms should have the date of manufacture stamped on them). Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately. Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement must be replaced with a hardwired smoke alarm. From 1 January 2027

State Legislation

Dwellings – houses, townhouses (Class 1A) and units (Class 2). Photoelectric – the method the device uses to detect smoke. Hardwired – connected to the domestic dwelling’s electricity supply. Interconnected – if one smoke alarm sounds all the other smoke alarms will also sound. Interconnection can be wired or wireless. Substantial – work carried out under a building development approval or the total building works equals 50% of the dwelling over 3 years. Storey – a space within a building which is situated between one floor level and the floor level or roof above.

Smoke alarms must be installed on each storey

Prescribed locations for installing smoke alarms

Smoke alarms in the dwelling