Queensland's Home Safety solutions to protect what matters most

Under the Fire and Emergency Services Act, smoke alarms are required to meet the specifications outlined in AS 3786-2014. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) factsheet highlights: smoke alarms must be tested and cleaned within 30 days before the beginning or renewal of a tenancy; alarms and batteries must be replaced before they expire; any alarm older than 10 years must be replaced with a photoelectric model compliant with AS 3786; and landlords must ensure smoke alarms are well maintained.

Guidelines from the Queensland Government specify that smoke alarms must: use photoelectric technology; not include ionisation sensors; be less than 10 years old; be connected to mains power with a backup battery; and be interconnected so all alarms activate simultaneously. Homes built or renovated before 1 January 2017 may use alarms powered by a non-removable 10-year battery, hard-wired models, or a combination of both.

From 1 January 2017: new homes and major renovations (based on building applications lodged from this date). From 1 January 2022: all homes being leased or sold. From 1 January 2027: all remaining domestic properties.

In each bedroom; in hallways that connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling; or, if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey. If there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm must be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

Within 300mm of a corner of a ceiling and a wall; within 300mm of a light fitting; within 400mm of an air-conditioning vent; or within 400mm of the blades of a ceiling fan.

Safety switches should be regularly tested. The Electrical Safety Office (ESO) recommends testing every three months using the test button. If the safety switch does not cut the power to the connected circuit when tested, the tenant must immediately notify the emergency repair contact in their tenancy agreement.

Safety switches are required in all rental properties, and landlords may face fines if a property does not have one installed. Installation of safety switches must be performed by a licensed electrician.

Properties built prior to 1992 may not have safety switches installed. It is law that a safety switch is installed within 3 months.

Corded blinds and curtains must be installed so that a loose cord cannot form a loop 220mm or longer at or less than 1,600mm above floor level. Blinds and curtains must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions on any retail packaging. A cleat used to secure a cord must be installed at least 1,600mm above floor level.

The person installing a corded blind or curtain must attach a label with the name and contact details of the person or company responsible for the installation. Warning labels or swing tags supplied with the corded blinds or curtains must not be removed.

Pool laws have come into effect for new tenancies (including renewed tenancy agreements) from 1 September 2023, and for all remaining tenancies from 1 September 2024. Under the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008, property owners must ensure their property does not breach any health and safety laws, including pool safety regulations. Tenants and residents are responsible for keeping pools secure and reporting any issues to the property manager or owner in a timely manner.

Pool owners are required to obtain a pool safety certificate from a licensed pool safety inspector, and a copy should be provided as part of the tenancy agreement. To be issued a certificate, the property must meet the strict safety standards set by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) - covering fence height and strength, gate and latch mechanisms, and appropriate signage. Failure to obtain a valid certificate may breach the owner's legal obligations.

Property must be individually metered or supplied by delivered water, water efficient, and stated in the tenancy agreement, to pass on the full cost of water consumption to the tenant.

Shower heads and internal taps: maximum 9 L/min.

Toilets must meet dual flush volume standards (6.5 L full, 3.5 L half, 4 L average).

Bath taps, garden taps, and washing machine or dishwasher taps are excluded.