Smoke alarms required in every home from 2022

As of July 1, 2022, it is mandatory to hang smoke detectors in every home in the Netherlands. All building levels must be equipped with a smoke detector. This smoke detector requirement has been in place for new construction homes for years, but will apply to every home in the Netherlands starting next July.

This rule is introduced with the goal of saving lives. This is because most casualties in fires occur at night due to smoke inhalation. This is because your ability to smell doesn't work at night, or doesn't work as well.

In addition to requiring all building levels to be equipped with a smoke detector, this also applies to confined spaces through which an escape route passes.

Smoke detectors come in different types. It is advisable not to just buy the first and best smoke detector you come across. When buying a smoke detector, pay attention to whether it is a battery-operated smoke detector and whether it has a pairing function. Detectors with a pairing function cause all the detectors you have in your home to go off when smoke develops. There are also smoke detectors where you even get a notification on your phone if one of the smoke detectors goes off.