How many smoke detectors do I need to have in my home?

Every storey of your home must be equipped with a smoke detector. Smoke detectors beep when they detect smoke. This warns you of the presence of smoke or fire. The owner or landlord of a property is responsible for installing smoke detectors.

Lees deze informatie in het Nederlands.

Smoke detector required on every storey

Your house must have a smoke alarm on each storey. This way you will be alerted more quickly in the event of smoke or fire.

Install the smoke detector on the hall ceiling

Use a smoke detector that will last for at least 10 years. You can buy one at a DIY store or online for around €16. Smoke detectors often have an adhesive sticker on the back. You can attach the detector to the ceiling using the sticker or a screw.

You should install a detector:

in your hallway;
on the ceiling;
at least 50 centimetres from a wall or corner;
at least 30 centimetres from a light.

You should not install a smoke detector near an air vent or heating. Read the instructions that come with the detector before you install it. Test the detectors in your home regularly

Advice on installing and using smoke detectors

You can find more information (in Dutch) on buying and using smoke detectors on Rookmelders.nl. The website also has a tool to help you calculate how many smoke detectors your home needs

Owner responsible for installation

The owner of a property is responsible for installing smoke detectors. If you live in a rental property, the landlord is responsible for ensuring smoke detectors are present.

Where there is a homeowners’ association (VvE), the owners of each individual property are responsible for installing smoke detectors in their own properties. Smoke detectors are not mandatory in communal areas. And the association is not obliged to install any.