From 1 July this year, it will be an offence not to have smoke alarms installed in your home.

As of that date, every domestic dwelling in Queensland is required to have smoke alarms. The new laws, which fall under the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service Act 1990, apply to all residential dwellings in Queensland.

The new smoke alarm legislation has ramifications for all homeowners and especially people selling their home.

From July 1, the REIQ residential contracts of sale – used in the vast majority of property transactions across the State and developed in conjunction with the Queensland Law Society - will include a smoke alarm installation check-box which must be completed by the seller.

Failure to install a compliant smoke alarm by 1 July will be an offence under the Act, he said.

During the selling process, the Queensland Land Registry will also have to be notified that smoke alarms have been installed in the property and the buyer has been informed.

This means the installation of smoke alarms will become part of the buying and selling process in Queensland. Compliance will be monitored via an audit of the forms lodged with the Queensland Land Registry.

It has been mandatory since 1 July 1997 to have hard-wired smoke alarms installed in residential homes built or significantly renovated after that date.

Fire officers will also investigate complaints received about residential non-compliance. There will be a maximum fine of $375 for failing to install alarms by 1 July this year.

I would urge homeowners to install smoke alarms as soon as possible.

The risk of death from fire in a home is up to three times higher in homes without smoke alarms.

About 80% of all Queensland house fire deaths occur in homes without smoke alarms and most start at night when you are asleep. It is very simple - working smoke alarms save lives.