Smoke detectors: the obligation for homes in Belgium

Wallonia: what the rule provides

According to wallonie.be, the Walloon regulations on smoke detectors have been in force since 2004. They cover existing homes and new builds, and the owner and/or the occupant. The SPW Logement (Walloon housing administration) brochure states that Wallonia “requires smoke detectors in all homes and lightweight dwellings”.

How many detectors?

• House: 1 detector per living level, 2 if the floor area of the level exceeds 80 m².
• Flat: 1 detector under 80 m², 2 above.
• Lightweight dwelling: 1 detector.

If the home must have at least 4 detectors, they must be interconnected to relay the alarm, or form part of a centralised automatic fire detection installation.

Where to put them?

Compulsory: a detector on every level that contains at least one living room, preferably in the halls or corridors. In a house: the entrance hall, the landing upstairs, the room the top of the stairs leads into. In a flat: the hall giving access to the bedrooms, or the entrance hall or living room for large flats. Avoid the kitchen, bathroom and garage, because of false alarms. They are generally fitted on the ceiling, at least 30 cm from the corners.

Which device to choose?

The SPW Logement model agreement refers to optical smoke detectors, guaranteed for five years, compliant with standard NBN EN 14604 and certified BOSEC or a European equivalent (VdS, BS…). The brochure says to look for EN 14604, the CE marking and a quality mark on the packaging.

Wallonia: landlord or tenant?

Article 4bis of the Walloon Housing Code, quoted in the model agreement, states that “every individual or collective dwelling is equipped with at least one fire detector in perfect working order”. It adds that:

• the owner bears the cost of buying, installing and replacing the detectors;
• the occupant maintains them and informs the owner without delay of any malfunction.

The brochure sums up: in a rental, installation and replacement are payable by the owner, and replacing the battery is, where applicable, payable by the tenant. If you live in your own home, you take on both roles.

The model agreement (to be signed by everyone who signed the lease) also provides that the tenant:

• may not remove, move, disable or paint the detectors;
• regularly checks that the alarm works and replaces the battery when the low-battery signal sounds;
• immediately informs the owner of any malfunction.

If the tenant damages a detector through improper use, the owner can charge them for its replacement. The owner may also carry out an on-site check once a year that these requirements are being met. This agreement is a model offered by the Region.

The brochure states that a detector’s lifespan is 10 years. It suggests testing the device regularly (for example on the first Thursday of each month) and dusting it.

Brussels: the rules since 2025

Bruxelles Logement (the Brussels housing administration) states that from 2025, detectors are compulsory in all homes in the Region, whether owner-occupied or rented. The legal basis is the Government order of 28 September 2023.

Technical requirements

• built-in battery with a ten-year lifespan;
• compliance with standard EN 14604 (stated on the packaging);
• optical detectors only: ionisation detectors are prohibited;
• if the device is connected to the 220 V mains, a backup battery is required.

How many and where?

• Fewer than 4 detectors: they need not be interconnected.
• From 4 detectors: they must be interconnected, or form part of a centralised detection system.
• Studio: at least one, in the room where the bed is, away from sources of steam or cooking.
• Home on one level: at least one in each room on the internal circulation route.
• Home on several levels: at least one per level, plus one in each other room on the circulation route.
• On the ceiling, preferably in the centre of the room or at least 30 cm from the corners and edges. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens, showers and garages, unless the room also serves as a passageway.

Deadline for homes already equipped

Owners who already have four or more detectors that are not interconnected have until 1 January 2028 to comply.

Brussels: landlord or tenant?

• The landlord fits compliant detectors in the right places and bears the cost of buying and installing them. The landlord replaces them when they are faulty, before they expire, and at the latest ten years after the date of manufacture.
• The tenant dusts the detectors, regularly presses the test button and informs the landlord if a device is not working properly.
• Detectors adapted for deaf or hard-of-hearing people: the landlord cannot object to their installation, but is not required to pay for it. A contribution can be requested from the health insurance fund (mutualité) or the CAAMI.

The Brussels fire brigade offers a free home visit of about 30 minutes to advise on where to place the devices. For any question, the Region refers to the Centre d’information sur le logement (housing information centre, 0800 40 400).

Which professional to consult

An electrician or a detection-system installer to interconnect several detectors or connect a centralised system. The Region’s housing service (SPW Logement in Wallonia, Bruxelles Logement) or the fire service for placement. For a lease or a sale, the notary or estate agent can tell you what must be stated; see also the sale agreement.