Since July 1, 2022, it is mandatory in the Netherlands to have smoke detectors in all homes. This applies to both owner-occupied and rental properties. The responsibility for installation lies with homeowners or landlords. The goal? More safety and fewer casualties in house fires.
Key Points:
With these rules, the government aims to save lives each year. So, check whether your home meets the requirements!
Legal Requirements for Smoke Detectors in the Netherlands
Since July 1, 2022, it is mandatory in the Netherlands to have smoke detectors in all existing owner-occupied and rental homes. New buildings are not included here, as they have complied with the smoke detector obligation since 2003.
Which Homes are Subject to the Rule?
The obligation applies to all types of homes, such as:
For rental properties, the responsibility for installing smoke detectors lies with the landlord. However, maintenance is the tenant's responsibility. See the table below for the guidelines on numbers and placement.
Number and Placement of Smoke Detectors
The law clearly specifies where and how many smoke detectors are required:
Area
Minimum Requirement
Per floor
At least 1 smoke detector
Escape routes
Mandatory placement
Student rooms
1 smoke detector per room
Attic (uninhabited)
No obligation
To function properly, smoke detectors must be placed in the right spots:
In the next section, we discuss what to watch for when choosing a smoke detector with the right certification.
Effective Date and Consequences of Non-Compliance
While no specific fines have been set, there may be other consequences if you fail to meet the obligation:
Choosing Smoke Detectors
Once you know how many smoke detectors you need and where they should be placed, the next step is choosing the right smoke detector.
Important Certifications for Smoke Detectors
According to legal requirements, every smoke detector must have:
Differences Between Battery-Powered and Wired Smoke Detectors
Feature
Battery-Powered Detectors
Wired Detectors
Easy to install yourself
Professional installation needed
Replace batteries annually
Check backup battery only
Battery
Electrical grid + battery backup
Limited possibility
Standard linked
Basic alarm system
More advanced options*
*Basic requirements for all smoke detectors are:
Companies like Bricknest offer advice on the best places for smoke detectors, especially during renovations.
A well-placed and certified smoke detector is essential for effective fire detection. Our installation guidelines explain this further.
