Smoke detector mandatory: All information at a glance
Smoke detectors save lives - that's why there has been a Germany-wide requirement for smoke detectors in living rooms since 2017. In this article we will show you everything you should know about it.
Smoke detector obligation: you should know that
Smoke detectors are mandatory in all German federal states - at least for new buildings. Smoke alarms already exist for existing buildings in most of Germany, only in Berlin and Brandenburg this will only come into force at the end of 2020.
- In apartments and single-family houses, it is mandatory to equip children's rooms, bedrooms, corridors and escape routes with smoke alarms in accordance with DIN EN 14604.
- In the federal states of Baden-Württemberg, Berlin, Brandenburg and Saxony, other rooms must also be protected by at least one smoke detector.
- Smoke detectors must be installed so that they can report a fire early. To do this, follow the instructions in the device's operating instructions or read our instructions, which we have linked to you.
Smoke detectors: responsibility and maintenance
The owner of the property is responsible for the purchase and installation of smoke detectors; only in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are tenants obliged. However, responsibility for regular maintenance varies from state to state. At best, ask your city administration or local authority.
- If the landlord is responsible for maintenance, he can charge the costs as operating costs over your rent.
- However, if both agree, the maintenance obligation can be transferred from the landlord to the tenant. Then the tenant can check his smoke alarm himself.
- If you as the tenant have to carry out regular maintenance, the landlord is obliged to exercise due care. He must therefore check whether proper maintenance has been carried out.
- This is considered an investment in modernization and can be billed to you by the landlord at 11 percent of the costs per year.
In our next article, you can read whether your insurance company will pay in the event of a fire, even if you have not installed any smoke detectors.