BE ALARMED! New Smoke Alarm Obligations in Full Effect
From 1 January 2022, smoke alarms in Queensland residential properties sold or leased must have photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms installed to meet the strict new legislative requirements in accordance with Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990 (Qld) and Building Fire Safety Regulation 2008 (Qld).
What are the changes?
Landlords and Sellers must install interconnected smoke alarms in residential properties.
The smoke alarms in the property, must:
- be photoelectrical (Australian Standard (AS) 3786-2014);
- be less than ten (10) years old (the alarm should be stamped with a date);
- operate when tested;
- be hardwired to the main power supply with a secondary power source such as a battery (or be powered by a non-removable ten (10) year battery);
- be interconnected (when one goes off, they all go off); and
- not contain an ionization sensor.
What if I am selling my property and I don’t have compliant smoke alarms?
In line with the legislation, the REIQ Contract has been updated to reflect the changes.
The Seller is obligated to disclose whether compliant smoke alarms have been installed in the Property. If the Seller discloses that the smoke alarms installed, are not compliant, the Seller is required to install compliant smoke alarms by Settlement.
If the Seller fails to comply with the requirements, the Buyer is entitled to an adjustment equal to 0.15% of the Purchase Price.
Act now if you are buying or selling a property. We have an experienced and professional team in place ready to assist with any of your conveyancing and other property needs, so feel free to contact Kaeli Carrara to discuss the new smoke alarm requirements or other property related matters on (07) 4417 4417.