The short version
- Smoke alarms: interconnected photoelectric alarms in the required locations, tested and cleaned within 30 days before each new tenancy.
- Safety switches: every power point circuit must have one.
- Safe and in good repair: the property must meet electrical safety laws at the start of the tenancy, and electrical fittings must be kept in good repair.
- Dangerous faults are emergency repairs: the tenancy agreement must name an emergency repair contact.
Smoke alarms
Rental homes in Queensland have needed interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms since 2022. The Queensland Fire Department says that within 30 days before the start of a tenancy, the landlord must test and clean each smoke alarm. Tenants then test and clean them at least once every 12 months. Alarms that are faulty or past their expiry date must be replaced. Our smoke alarm law guide covers locations and alarm types in detail.
Safety switches
The Residential Tenancies Authority says all power point circuits in rental properties must have a safety switch. If one is missing, the owner must have one installed as soon as practical once a tenancy is offered, and Queensland's electrical safety rules set an outer limit of 90 days from the start of the tenancy agreement. Only a licensed electrician can install it.
The Electrical Safety Office recommends pressing the test button every three months. Agree at the start of the tenancy who does it, the property manager or the tenant, and write it down.
Repairs and entry
- A dangerous electrical fault is an emergency repair. Make sure your emergency repair contact can actually be reached after hours.
- Minimum housing standards require fixtures and fittings, including electrical items, to be in good repair and not likely to injure the tenant.
- Testing smoke alarms or safety switches during a tenancy needs proper notice using an Entry Notice (Form 9).
A routine that keeps you covered
- Between tenancies: smoke alarm test and clean, safety switch test, and a quick look over power points, lights and outdoor fittings.
- Every three months: safety switch push-button test by whoever was agreed at the start of the tenancy.
- Every year: tenant smoke alarm test and clean, plus a check of expiry dates on each alarm.
- Keep records: dates, results and invoices. If something goes wrong, this is what protects you.
From our job sheets
We work with property managers across Brisbane and Moreton Bay. Common rental jobs include smoke alarm and safety switch compliance testing, collecting keys from the agency and attending while tenants are out, broken light fittings reported by tenants, and noisy or faulty air conditioners. We send the property manager a short report with photos so the owner can see what was done.
What it costs with us
Smoke alarm inspection and safety switch testing is from $149 inc GST. A property electrical safety inspection is from $199 inc GST. Smoke alarm replacement is from $89 inc GST per alarm. See our work for property managers.