You are required to install smoke alarms in your rental property.

If your property is managed by an agent, they may be able to arrange for this to be done.

The minimum legal requirement is an alarm in accordance with the smoke alarm Australian Standard. This can be met by a 9v battery operated smoke alarm, with a one year battery.

However a good quality 10yr battery alarm or hardwired alarm is more reliable and may be more effective in the long term.

If a smoke alarm reaches the end of its service life, you must replace it immediately. In must Test and Clean each smoke alarm within 30 days before the start of a tenancy agreement. Your agent may be able to arrange this for you to ensure your legislative requirements are met.

In addition you must replace, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, each battery that is flat.

You must replace the smoke alarm unit before it reaches the end of its service life. **Service life of unit is usually indicated by the warranty. Where notified by a tenant that a smoke alarm is not operating, you should have the smoke alarm checked by a competent professional.

To ensure compliance, if you are selling a property you will be required to lodge a from with the Queensland Land Registry stating that operational smoke alarms are installed in the property.