Smoke detector obligation

Where do you need smoke detectors?

Smoke detectors are required in private living spaces in all German states. This applies to both owner-occupied property and rented apartments and houses. The owner or landlord must therefore install smoke detectors in apartments or houses and test them regularly.

In principle, smoke detectors must be installed in bedrooms, children's rooms and in hallways that function as escape routes.

Smoke detector regulations are laid down in the state building codes (LBO) of the sixteen federal states. Thus, the responsibility for checking smoke detectors or the specifications of the smoke detector obligation for certain rooms is handled differently. For example, in Brandenburg and Berlin, smoke detectors are also mandatory for common rooms such as living rooms.

In contrast, in Baden-Württemberg smoke detectors must also be installed in rooms and their escape routes that are regularly used for overnight accommodation. This special regulation applies, for example, to hotels, inns, hospitals or retirement homes.

Currently, there is no smoke detector obligation in Germany in commercial premises or at the workplace. The reason for this is that smoke detectors are primarily intended to warn sleeping persons of highly toxic smoke in the event of a fire. Thus, the legislator assumes that a fire at the workplace can be detected in time, since commercial premises are usually not used for overnight purposes.

The state building code in Baden-Württemberg is an exception. This requires smoke detectors in all rooms with regular overnight stays. Consequently, in Baden-Württemberg, smoke detectors are also mandatory in some areas such as hotels, clinics or care facilities.