The clock is ticking for Queensland property owners. By 1 January 2027, all residential dwellings sold or leased must meet the state’s upgraded smoke alarm laws. These requirements, rolled out in stages over the past several years, will soon apply to every home that hits the market or is renewed under a lease.
If you manage rental properties, build homes, or supply hardware and electrical goods, the deadline isn’t as far off as it seems. Stock availability, installation timelines, and rising demand are all factors to consider well ahead of the date.
What the Law Says
From 2027, every bedroom in a dwelling must have a photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarm. One must also be installed in hallways that connect bedrooms to the rest of the house. If there’s no hallway, an alarm must be placed between the bedroom and the nearest exit. Each level of the home also requires at least one alarm.
Alarms must be photoelectric (AS 3786:2014 compliant), less than ten years old, hardwired or powered by a non-removable 10-year battery, and interconnected either by wires or wirelessly. This applies to any property being sold, leased, or having an existing lease renewed.
For property managers and landlords, staying compliant isn’t a future consideration—it’s part of current responsibilities for new tenants and lease renewals. That’s why early sourcing is key.
Why Waiting May Backfire
The last deadline in 2022 showed what can happen when the industry waits until the last minute. Suppliers ran out of stock, tradespeople were booked solid, and the costs of both alarms and installation went up as the deadline approached.
With 2027 affecting all homes being sold or leased, demand will stretch supply chains once again. For wholesalers, retailers, and building professionals, now’s the time to start building relationships with reliable distributors, lock in pricing, and avoid delays.
Bulk sourcing early not only saves money but reduces the pressure of handling urgent upgrades down the line.
What to Look for in Smoke Alarms
Not all smoke alarms are created equal. Some meet the technical requirements but aren’t suited for large-scale residential rollout. Look for models with strong customer support, clear installation instructions, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. For property managers and building companies handling multiple dwellings, choosing a trusted, proven brand simplifies future servicing and tenant handover.
One smart place to start is by securing psa smoke alarm wholesale supply from certified stockists. These alarms are known for consistent performance, ease of installation, and long-term durability.
If you’re searching online or for a local option, you can also check suppliers offering psa smoke alarm wholesale near me to get product details and check availability.
Don’t Forget Exit and Emergency Lighting
While smoke alarms are a headline requirement, many residential and mixed-use buildings, especially those managed under body corporates—are also fitted with emergency and exit lighting.
In fire events, lighting can help guide occupants to exits once alarms are triggered. This is particularly important in stairwells, shared hallways, or any area where visibility can drop quickly.
Getting ahead of the 2027 deadline is a great chance to check your full fire safety system. If your project involves apartment blocks or shared buildings, it’s a smart move to explore emergency light wholesale options to futureproof installations.
Exit light wholesale supply is another area where lead times can blow out as demand rises. Investing early gives you flexibility and helps avoid last-minute replacements or compliance issues.
Managing Large Projects
Builders and developers working on multi-dwelling projects will face a bottleneck if materials and install schedules aren’t planned in advance. It’s not just about securing alarms; it’s about making sure qualified electricians are available to hardwire systems, test units, and provide compliance certification.
That’s where bulk planning helps. Instead of waiting to order closer to completion, sourcing alarms and lighting in the early stages of construction saves stress later. It also gives more control over installation timelines and inspection readiness.
If you’re overseeing several properties, consider storing a backup supply of alarms for emergency replacement or quick turnover needs between tenants.
Who’s Affected Most
The 2027 rules apply to:
- Landlords and property managers preparing homes for lease
- Real estate professionals managing pre-sale upgrades
- Developers and builders finishing residential properties
- Electricians and tradespeople servicing client upgrades
- Retailers and wholesalers supplying fire safety equipment
Everyone in the supply and installation chain should now be moving from awareness to action.
Queensland’s 2027 smoke alarm law may feel distant, but smart planning starts now. Bulk buying quality alarms and lighting early isn’t just about avoiding last-minute scrambles; it’s about making the upgrade process smoother for everyone involved.
Reliable supply partners, clear timelines, and smart stock management will put businesses in a strong position as the deadline approaches. Whether you’re upgrading a single unit or managing multiple properties, getting ahead of the crowd now means less pressure later.