Reviewed by Lee Gundenswager (Lead Electrician, Connex Lic #92217) and Darren Standring (Owner). Last updated July 2026.
⚡ The Quick Answer
Selling a property in Queensland? Your smoke alarms must be compliant before settlement, and a licensed electrician confirms this in writing. Connex Electrical (Lic #92217) inspects, upgrades if needed, and issues a smoke alarm compliance certificate for homes across North Brisbane — usually same day. Alarms are $120 each supplied and installed; most homes need 4 to 8, so a full compliance upgrade with certificate typically runs $500 to $1,000. Call 0474 207 609.
If you’re selling or leasing a home anywhere in Queensland, smoke alarm compliance isn’t optional — it’s law. Since 1 January 2022, every property being sold or with a new or renewed lease must have photoelectric, interconnected smoke alarms that meet the current standard. And a licensed electrician needs to confirm it.
This guide explains what a smoke alarm compliance certificate is, who can issue one, what it costs, and how to get yours sorted before settlement across North Brisbane — from North Lakes to Redcliffe.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- A compliance certificate is written confirmation from a licensed electrician that your smoke alarms meet Queensland law.
- It’s required before settlement when you sell, and before a new or renewed tenancy when you lease.
- Only a licensed electrician can issue one — not a real estate agent, building inspector, or homeowner.
- Per alarm: $120 supplied and installed. Full compliance upgrade + certificate: typically $500 to $1,000 for most homes. The compliance certificate is included.
- Connex offers same-day inspections and certificates across North Brisbane.
What Is a Smoke Alarm Compliance Certificate?
A smoke alarm compliance certificate is a document issued by a licensed electrician confirming that all smoke alarms in a property meet Queensland legislation. It’s a professional declaration, based on an in-person inspection, that your alarms are the right type, correctly located, working, and interconnected.
The certificate typically records:
- The property address and inspection date
- The number, type, and location of every alarm
- The age of each alarm (must be under 10 years)
- Confirmation that all alarms are photoelectric and interconnected
- Test results showing every alarm works and they sound together
- The electrician’s name, licence number, and declaration of compliance
You hand this to your solicitor or property manager as part of the settlement or leasing paperwork.
When Do You Need One?
- Selling a home: compliant alarms must be in place before settlement.
- New or renewed tenancy: landlords must ensure compliance at the start of every new or renewed lease.
- Peace of mind: you can request a certificate at any time, even if you’re not selling or leasing.
For the full breakdown of Queensland’s rules and the 1 January 2027 deadline, see our QLD smoke alarm laws 2027 guide.
Who Can Issue a Compliance Certificate?
Only a licensed Queensland electrician can issue a smoke alarm compliance certificate. A real estate agent, building inspector, or homeowner cannot self-certify. The electrician must hold a current licence (Connex’s is #92217), have inspected the property in person, tested every alarm, and verified the alarms meet the legislation — photoelectric, interconnected, correctly located, and less than 10 years old.
Be wary of “certificates” offered by unlicensed technicians — they aren’t legally valid.
What the Inspection Includes
- Count and locate every alarm — checking each bedroom, connecting hallway, and every level.
- Verify type and age — confirming each alarm is photoelectric and under 10 years old.
- Test functionality — confirming each alarm works and that they’re interconnected (one sounds, they all sound).
- Identify any gaps — missing bedroom alarms, ionisation units, or expired alarms that need replacing.
- Issue the certificate — on the spot if the home is compliant, or after any required upgrades are completed.
A typical inspection takes 30–60 minutes.
What It Costs in North Brisbane
| Service | Price | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Per alarm supplied & installed | $120 each | Photoelectric alarm, interconnection, testing |
| Typical full compliance (most homes) | $500–$1,000 | 4–8 alarms + compliance certificate |
| Larger / two-storey homes | Quoted on inspection | Tailored to the home |
If your home is already compliant, you just need the certificate. If it isn’t, we can usually upgrade and certify in the same visit. For a full cost breakdown, see our smoke alarm installation page.
Common Reasons Homes Fail
- Ionisation alarms still installed instead of photoelectric
- Alarms over 10 years old (check the manufacture date on the back)
- Missing alarms in one or more bedrooms
- Alarms not interconnected — standalone units don’t comply
- Wrong placement — too close to walls, corners, or air conditioning vents
- Painted-over or damaged alarms
How to Get Your Certificate Fast
Call Connex on 0474 207 609 with your property address, number of bedrooms, and number of levels. We’ll book an inspection — often same or next day — across North Brisbane, including Mango Hill, Kallangur, Murrumba Downs, Burpengary, and Caboolture. If your home is compliant, you get the certificate on the spot; if not, we’ll quote the upgrade and complete it the same visit where possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a smoke alarm compliance certificate valid?
The certificate confirms compliance at the time of issue. For a sale, it should be current at settlement — if you change the property (renovate or add bedrooms) you may need a fresh inspection.
Can a real estate agent issue the certificate?
No. Only a licensed electrician can inspect and certify smoke alarm compliance in Queensland.
Do I need one if I’m not selling?
Not legally, unless you’re starting a new tenancy. But many homeowners get one for peace of mind, and landlords often certify at each change of tenancy.
What if my property fails the inspection?
We’ll tell you exactly what’s non-compliant and quote the fix. In most cases we can complete the upgrade and issue the certificate the same day.
Is this the same as an electrical safety certificate?
No. A smoke alarm compliance certificate covers smoke alarms specifically. An electrical safety inspection covers the broader electrical system.
Selling or leasing in North Brisbane? Call Connex Electrical on 0474 207 609 for a same-day smoke alarm compliance certificate. Licensed, insured, and sorted before settlement.