A smoke detector on every floor: do you already comply with the new rules?

In rented and newly built houses, the obligation already applied for some time, but from 1 July 2022, all homes in the Netherlands must have a smoke detector. The purpose of the new rules is to reduce the number of deaths in house fires. What are the consequences of this obligation?

Smoke detectors on every floor

The smoke alarm requirement applies to every floor with a living or accommodation function. In dwellings with rooms, such as student houses, each room must have a fire alarm.

Therefore, a junk attic does not have to be equipped with a smoke detector, but an attic with a hobby, laundry or bedroom does. In addition, the guideline of one smoke detector per floor is a minimum. For optimum safety, the presence of a smoke detector is recommended in all rooms where electronic equipment is present.

Requirements and consequences

Apart from CE marking and an EN 14604 certificate - or NEN 2555 for mains powered smoke detectors - there are no functional or quality requirements for smoke detectors. You can therefore decide whether to install a smart smoke detector (which, for example, can warn you via an app when the battery is low) or a cheaper model that only has the basic function of detecting smoke. The best smoke detector depends on your personal situation and wishes.

The consequences of not having a smoke alarm fitted after 1 July 2022 are still unknown. For the time being, most insurers are planning to pay out money to people who do not comply with the smoke alarm requirement, but it remains to be seen whether this will also be the case in future. It is likely that exclusions for this will be included in insurers' policy conditions over time.

Argument in case of purchase or sale

The presence or absence of smoke detectors can be used as an argument when buying or selling a property. Does a property already comply with the new rules? Then that is clearly a plus.

If there are no (or too few) smoke detectors, a potential buyer will have to take into account the purchase and installation of one or more new smoke detectors.