All residential properties in Queensland will require to have compliant smoke alarms to be installed prior to settlement of the property.
Under Clause 7.8 of the Contract, the seller must install smoke alarms in any domestic dwelling on the lot in accordance with the Smoke Alarm Requirement Provision. Failure to do so is an offence under the Fire and Emergency Services Act 1990.
The seller is obliged to have these installed on the property, or if they are not currently installed, to ensure this is done prior to settlement. If the seller fails to comply, the buyer is entitled to an adjustment at settlement equal to 0.15% of the purchase price, but only if claimed by the buyer in writing on or before settlement.
If you are currently in the process of considering selling or renting out your home or buying a new residential property, please check in respect to compliant alarm installation, or you are unsure don’t delay in engaging a qualified installer.
For those owner occupiers who aren’t in the process of selling now, you will have until 1 January 2027 to ensure there are compliant alarms installed. From this date, the new alarms will be compulsory for all dwellings – old and new.