Property owners/managers are reminded of their obligations to install and maintain working smoke alarms in all Queensland rental properties to keep everyone who lives in the property safe.

Smoke alarm legislation for houses, townhouses, units and apartments is administered by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES). Learn more about your responsibilities as a property owner, property manager or tenant via the QFES website.

Starting a tenancy

Under Queensland rental laws, property owners/managers are required to ensure their rental property is safe and compliant with current health and safety laws and minimum housing standards. This includes installing, testing and maintaining smoke alarms that meet Queensland standards. Smoke alarms are listed as a reportable item in the Entry condition report (Form 1a), which records the condition of all Queensland rental properties at the start of a tenancy.

During a tenancy

Repairs relating to a non-functioning smoke alarm in a rental property may be considered emergency repairs, which provides options for tenants to have these addressed as a priority. Tenants are encouraged to report any faults or repairs as soon as possible to their property owner/manager to carry out within a reasonable timeframe.

Tenancy questions and reporting concerns

Queenslanders who have tenancy questions are encouraged to contact us.

The RTA encourages tenants and property owners/managers to try to resolve disagreements by working together. If a tenant has concerns about a potential breach of Queensland rental laws they can request the RTA investigate the matter to ensure compliance with the Act is upheld. 

Resources to learn more

The RTA partners with industry experts and government bodies such as QFES to provide the Queensland renting community with practical and accessible information. Learn more via the resources below.