Brussels, Belgium – Despite smoke detectors being mandatory in all homes across Brussels since January 2025, authorities report that three months later, some residences remain non-compliant.
While the regulation was implemented to enhance fire safety, ensuring full compliance remains a challenge.
The Brussels Fire Brigade emphasizes the importance of smoke detectors, stating that in the event of a fire, individuals have an average of just three minutes to evacuate safely.
Properly installed and maintained smoke detectors can be life-saving, as highlighted by a recent apartment fire in central Brussels, where the device played a crucial role in alerting residents in time.
Regulations and Responsibilities
The responsibility for compliance falls primarily on landlords, who must ensure that smoke detectors are installed in their rental properties.
Landlords must also bear the costs of purchasing and installing the devices, as well as replacing them if they become defective, expire, or reach the ten-year limit from their manufacturing date.
Tenants, on the other hand, must conduct regular checks to ensure the alarms are functioning correctly.
They are also responsible for keeping the devices free of dust, as accumulation can cause false alarms. If an issue arises with a smoke detector, tenants must notify their landlords in writing.
For tenants with hearing disabilities, specially adapted smoke detectors with flashing lights or vibrating alarms are available. However, landlords are not required to cover the costs of these devices. Financial allowances exist to help tenants purchase them if needed.
Enforcement and Penalties
The Brussels housing administration is actively monitoring compliance, with the Regional Housing Inspectorate overseeing rented accommodations.
Landlords found in violation of the regulations may face penalties. Minor infractions result in fines of €50, while serious non-compliance can lead to penalties of up to €200.
Technical Requirements
Smoke detectors installed in Brussels homes must meet specific technical requirements. They must have a built-in battery lasting up to ten years and conform to the “EN 14604” standard. Additionally, only optical detectors are permitted, as these are more effective in detecting slow-burning fires.
For homes requiring four or more smoke detectors, the devices must be interconnected. If homes already have existing alarms, landlords have until January 1, 2028, to interconnect them.
Installation Guidelines
Correct installation of smoke detectors is critical to their effectiveness. The Brussels-Capital Region recommends placing them as close to the center of the ceiling as possible. If this is not feasible, they should be positioned at least 30 cm away from corners and ceiling edges.
For homes with sloped ceilings, authorities advise mounting the detectors on walls, ensuring they are at least 15 to 30 cm from the ceiling and 30 cm from any room corner.
Moving Forward
While the regulation has been in effect for three months, enforcement agencies continue to urge landlords and tenants to prioritize compliance.
Public awareness campaigns stress the importance of smoke detectors, not only as a legal requirement but as a crucial element of home safety. Authorities warn that continued non-compliance could lead to increased inspections and penalties in the coming months.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
