--- title: Landlord Electrical Obligations in Queensland | Hang Loose url: https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/landlord-electrical-obligations-qld language: en-AU updated: 2026-10-25 publisher: Hang Loose Electrical, 3/27 Huntington Street, Clontarf QLD 4019, 0492 268 126 --- 1. [Home](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/) 2. [Guides](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/guides) 3. Landlord obligations Selling and renting # Landlord Electrical Obligations in Queensland Smoke alarms, safety switches, repairs and access. A plain-English checklist for owners and property managers, and the routine that keeps a rental compliant. [Call 0492 268 126](tel:+61492268126)[Get a fast quote](#quote) By **Hang Loose Electrical**, licensed electricians in Clontarf. Checked 13 October 2026. ## 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](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/qld-smoke-alarm-laws-2027) 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 1. **Between tenancies:** smoke alarm test and clean, safety switch test, and a quick look over power points, lights and outdoor fittings. 2. **Every three months:** safety switch push-button test by whoever was agreed at the start of the tenancy. 3. **Every year:** tenant smoke alarm test and clean, plus a check of expiry dates on each alarm. 4. **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](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/property-managers). ## Sources - [Residential Tenancies Authority: electrical safety](https://www.rta.qld.gov.au/during-a-tenancy/maintenance-and-repairs/electrical-safety) - [Electrical Safety Office: electrical safety in rental properties](https://electricalsafety.qld.gov.au/electrical-safety-home/electrical-safety-rental-properties) - [WorkSafe Queensland: safety switch timeframes for owners](https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/electrical-safety-and-other-legislation-amendment-regulation-2024/esola-regulation-your-questions-answered) - [Queensland Fire Department: smoke alarm requirements](https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/smokealarms) ## Need a hand with this? Call the team, or send the details for a fast quote. [Call 0492 268 126](tel:+61492268126)[Get a fast quote](#quote) [24/7 emergencies: **0487 259 697**](tel:+61487259697) - **Mon to Fri** 6:30am to 6pm - **Sat** 7am to 1pm - **After hours** 24/7 emergency line above (after-hours surcharges apply) - **Workshop** 3/27 Huntington Street, Clontarf QLD 4019 ## Common questions Can't see your question? Call [0492 268 126](tel:+61492268126) and talk to the team. [All guides](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/guides) ### Who tests the smoke alarms in a rental? The landlord tests and cleans each alarm within 30 days before a new tenancy starts. During the tenancy, the tenant tests and cleans them at least once every 12 months. ### Does every circuit need a safety switch? The rental rules cover all power point circuits. We recommend safety switches on lighting circuits too, but power point circuits are the legal requirement. ### Can you work with our property manager directly? Yes. We arrange access with the agency, collect keys if needed and send the report and invoice to the property manager. ### How much is a rental compliance check? Smoke alarm inspection and safety switch testing is from $149 inc GST. Any repairs are quoted before we do them. ## Related guides - ### [Smoke alarm laws 2027](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/qld-smoke-alarm-laws-2027) What the 2027 rules require, where alarms go, and what it costs. - ### [Selling a house](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/selling-a-house-electrical-qld) Smoke alarms, safety switches and what building inspectors flag before a sale. - ### [Tripping in the rain](https://www.hanglooseelectrical.com.au/safety-switch-trips-in-rain) Where water gets in, what you can safely check, and when to call us. ## Get a fast quote Tell us the job. It takes about a minute. ## Rather we sorted it? Call the team or send the details for a fast quote. You'll have a clear price before any work starts. 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