Smoke alarm requirements in Australia.
In general it is the responsibility of all owners and landlords to install working smoke alarms.
Smoke alarm legal requirements can vary in each State of Australia, and the links below show those requirements for the State that you have a property in. A selection of those rules are also shown in italics.
Smoke Alarms in Victoria.
Since 1 August 1997, Victorian law states that smoke alarms (complying with Australian Standards AS3786) must be installed in all homes, units, flats and townhouses. Homes constructed after 1 August 1997 must have smoke alarms connected to 240 volt mains power.
More at Victoria Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms in Queensland.
From 1 January 2022, landlords must install interconnected smoke alarms in residential rental properties. From 1 January 2027, all existing private homes, townhouses and units will require photoelectric interconnected smoke alarms. These must be either a hardwired (eg. 240v) or non-removable 10 year battery powered type alarm.
More at Queensland Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms in New South Wales.
At least one working smoke alarm must be installed on each level in all buildings in NSW where people sleep. The smoke alarms must meet the requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786. These provisions came into effect on 1 May 2006.
More at New South Wales Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms in South Australia.
Homes or residential rental properties purchased on or after 1 February 1998 require a smoke alarm (or smoke alarms) be fitted within six months from the day on which title is transferred and be either: a 240 volt mains-powered smoke alarm OR a 10-year life, non-replaceable, non-removable, permanently connected battery powered smoke alarm.
More at South Australia Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms in Western Australia.
Various publications are available to provide more information on the smoke alarm requirements in WA.
More at Western Australia Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms in Tasmania.
You should install a smoke alarm in each sleeping area (bedroom), hallway and living area. Generally, in a rental property a smoke alarm must be installed in every hallway near a bedroom and on each level of a multi-storey home.
More at Tasmania Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms in Northern Territory.
All residential premises, moveable dwellings, caravans and temporary accommodation, including safari-style tents must have, as a minimum requirement, a working photoelectric smoke alarm installed by 01 November 2011.
More at Northern Territory Smoke Alarms.
Smoke Alarms in Australian Capital Territory.
ACT Fire & Rescue recommends wherever possible, hard-wired and interconnected smoke alarms are installed.
More at Australian Capital Territory Smoke Alarms.