I regularly use our fire stairs to come and go. Our body corporate has alarmed the doors and will be issuing fines for activating the alarm. Is this legal?
I live in a 7-story residential apartment. For exercise, I use the staircase regularly to come and go. The staircase is also the emergency exit route in a fire.
Our body corporate has advised that the external doors will be alarmed and they will issue fines if the doors are opened. Is this legal?
A body corporate cannot issue fines.
Stefan Bauer, Fire Matters:
The fire legislation does not prevent the building owner/occupier from placing an alarm on doors as long as it does not restrict an occupier's egress .
Chris Irons, Strata Solve:
You might like to have a look at the resources, provided by Queensland Fire and Emergency Services about building owners and occupiers. There is a fact sheet about fire doors.
Based on your reading of that, you might like to have a conversation with your body corporate about what is and is not possible. If you are an owner, you can submit motions to meetings. The body corporate is responsible for the management of common property – which these doors likely are – and also must act reasonably in everything they do. 'Acting reasonably' means taking into account their responsibilities under relevant fire safety legislation.
A body corporate itself cannot issue fines. Whether the body corporate can pass on a fine it receives to the person it considers responsible is another matter, potentially.
This is general information only and not legal advice.
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Stefan Bauer is an experienced fire safety professional with a proven background in auditing, compliance inspections, and building fire safety management. Over his career, he has conducted comprehensive audits across commercial, residential, and industrial properties, ensuring alignment with Australian Standards and statutory obligations. His expertise includes fire system testing, maintenance reviews, and performance-based compliance solutions.
Operating as an independent third-party auditor, Stefan delivers impartial assessments that support building owners, managers, and contractors in meeting regulatory requirements while enhancing overall safety outcomes. He is recognised for his methodical approach, attention to detail, and ability to provide clear, actionable recommendations.
Certifications & Registrations:
- Licensed Fire Protection Certifier / Auditor
- QBCC (Queensland Building and Construction Commission)
- Accredited Practitioner with FPA Australia (Fire Protection Association Australia)
- Workplace health and Safety Officer qualifications
Chris is a strata unicorn: he is not a strata lawyer, manager or caretaker. He was Queensland’s Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management for over 5 years. That is the only role of its type in the world. Chris is also an owner in one strata scheme, and a tenant in another.
As Director of Strata Solve, Chris focuses on communications and strategic advice, rather than legal action, to solving strata problems. Strata Solve works with owners, committees, strata managers and caretakers to tailor practical solutions to stressful strata situations. Chris holds an Honours degree in Communications and is a nationally accredited mediator.
Chris is a regular contributor to LookUpStrata.
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