Smoke detectors

Smoke alarms provide a simple and effective means of protecting against the dangers of fire. For this reason, from 2025, they will be mandatory in ALL owner-occupied and rental properties in the Brussels-Capital Region. 

Alarms must: 

• have a built-in battery that lasts up to ten years; 
• comply with the "EN 14604" standard (see packaging);  
• be "optical" smoke alarms. "Ionization" type alarms are prohibited. 

Non-interconnected devices are permitted if fewer than 4 alarms are required. 

For 4 or more devices, smoke alarms must be interconnected or form part of a centralised detection system.* 

* Property owners who already have four or more non-interconnected smoke detectors have until 1 January 2028 to comply with the new regulations. 

The location of smoke alarms depends on the layout of the property. 

Install at least one smoke alarm in every hallway, landing or room that you need to pass through between the furthest bedroom and the front door of the property.

For maximum protection, although it is not compulsory, install smoke alarms in every room of your home, including the bedrooms, living rooms, attic and basement. 

You need at least one smoke alarm.

It should be placed in the same room as the bed, but not too close to sources of water or cooking steam, such as a shower or cooker. 

Install at least one smoke alarm in each room along the internal circulation route.

Install at least one smoke alarm on each floor.

It should be placed on the landing or in the first room you enter when accessing the floor. In addition, all other rooms that are part of the circulation route should be fitted with a smoke alarm. 

Position smoke alarms as close to the centre of the ceiling as possible.

If this is not possible, install them at least 30 cm from any ceiling corners and edges. 

In rooms with sloping ceilings, the alarms should be mounted on a wall, observing these distances: 

• between 15 cm (min.) and 30 cm (max.) from the ceiling 
• at least 30 cm from any corner. 

Smoke alarms should not be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, showers and garages, as they may trigger false alarms. 

However, if the room serves a dual purpose and is part of the internal circulation route, a smoke alarm should be installed there, preferably away from sources of heat or steam. 

For example, a kitchen that doubles as a dining room. 

The landlord's obligations:

• correctly install compliant smoke alarms; 
• cover the cost of purchasing and installing the alarms; 
• replace smoke alarms when they are defective, before their expiry date, or at the latest, 10 years after the manufacturing date specified by the manufacturer. 

The tenant's responsibilities:

• dust smoke alarms and press the test button regularly; 
• notify the landlord if a smoke alarm is not working properly. 

There are smoke alarms on the market designed specifically for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These alarms use a flashing light or vibrating alert that activates in an emergency. The landlord cannot oppose the installation of smoke alarms adapted to a tenant's disability but is not obliged to cover the cost of them.
Opens in new windowApplication for material aid (FR)
Opens in new windowApplication for material aid (NL)

If you're unsure whether installing a smoke alarm is mandatory in a particular room or location, you can request a home visit from the fire prevention advisors of the Brussels Fire Service. 

A home visit lasts about 30 minutes. 

Interested? Send an email to Opens in new windowsensibilisation@firebru.brussels or call 02 208 81 11 (working days from 9.00 am to 12.00 pm). 

Visit the website Opens in new windowwww.pompiers.brussels

Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself against the risk of fire: 

• Opens in new windowwww.fermezlaporte.be
• Opens in new windowwww.nejouezpasaveclefeu.be