Smoke detectors to be required in existing buildings too by 1 July 2022
76% of people have a smoke detector at home. Do you? As of July 1, 2022, a smoke detector is mandatory in every home. This obligation has existed since 2003 for new homes, but the new legislation states that existing homes must also have a smoke alarm on every floor. We explain the rules and possible solutions.
The government has therefore amended the Building Regulations and made smoke detectors mandatory for both new and existing construction. In doing so, they are following the advice of Fire Brigade Netherlands and local authorities to make smoke detectors compulsory for every home in the Netherlands. July 1, 2022 was chosen to give homeowners enough time to prepare for the amended rules. And to prevent suppliers from having too few detectors available. Because due to the obligation, an estimated millions of new ones must be purchased. This obligation has existed since 2003 for new homes, but according to the new legislation, existing homes must also have a smoke detector on every floor. This applies to living areas and enclosed spaces through which an escape route passes.
Investing once in smoke detectors saves lives
A smoke detector with a 10-year life expectancy costs an average of €30 including batteries and takes about 30 minutes to install, according to research. Homeowners of existing dwellings are responsible for fitting smoke detectors that meet the requirements and for carrying out maintenance. Do you rent the house? Then the landlord is responsible for ensuring that there are enough working smoke detectors. The tenant is responsible for maintaining the smoke alarms.
