Smoke Alarm Update…Get in Now & Save Money!

The REIQ are warning of a potential price hike and last-minute panic if more landlords don’t act in regard to the changes to Queensland’s Smoke Alarm Legislation rolled out in early 2017.  They report that to date (June 2018), only a small number of landlords have changed their smoke alarms to the new photoelectric system, which is compulsory on all tenanted properties by January 2022.

REIQ CEO Ms Antonia Mercorella said that landlords need to understand the risks of waiting until closer to the deadline.  “If thousands of people are trying to get new smoke alarms installed at the last minute, that will create long wait times, and potentially increase the cost as installers may be forced to work outside normal business hours to get through the volume of work.”

From January 01, 2017, important changes to Queensland’s Smoke Alarm Legislation commenced which ALL Queensland property owners need to be aware of; compliance is mandatory.  All Queensland dwellings are legally required to have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms and in hallways that connect bedrooms with the rest of the dwelling.

This is a 10-year phased roll-out of interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms to happen over three specific periods starting from 1 January 2017.

  • From 1 January 2017:  in all new dwellings and substantially renovated dwellings (this applies to building applications submitted from 1 January 2017).
  • From 1 January 2022: in all domestic dwellings leased and sold.
  • From 1 January 2027: in all other domestic dwellings

Any new smoke alarm being installed, or existing smoke alarm being replaced from 1 January 2017 must also be a photoelectric-type alarm which complies with Australian Standard 3786.  If your smoke alarm is more than 10 years old, it must be replaced with a photoelectric smoke alarm. A smoke alarm which is hardwired to the domestic power supply must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.

To tell if you have a photoelectric-type smoke alarm look on the front, back or inside of the smoke alarm unit for the word ‘photoelectric’, ‘optical’, ‘photo optical’ or the symbol ‘P’. If it does not contain these words or symbols your alarm should be replaced.

The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show 2018 commences this Friday and runs for three days, concluding on Sunday June 17.  Taking place at the Nambour Showgrounds, it is a popular annual event originally designed to unite country and city and promote our agricultural industries.  It has expanded in scope over the years to include many great events, rides, stalls, food, and entertainment, and provides businesses and not-for-profit groups with a valuable platform to further promote their brand and connect with their community.

Friday is a public holiday and our office will be closed.  If you are heading over to Nambour for the show, enjoy!

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