Smoke Alarms & Fire Safety for Tenants in the Netherlands
As a tenant in the Netherlands, it is important that your home has working smoke alarms and basic fire safety. In this guide we explain in clear language which duties landlords and tenants have, how to check and maintain smoke alarms, and what you can do if there are problems. You will read practical steps for immediate safety, how to report defects and which official bodies you can involve. The text is intended for people without legal knowledge and gives concrete tips to reduce your risk of fire and protect your rights as a tenant. We refer to relevant laws and the Rent Tribunal for concrete procedures, and show how to collect evidence in a dispute.
What does the law say?
The main rules about tenancy and safety are in the Civil Code Book 7. Landlords are generally responsible for structural safety and basic provisions such as smoke alarms where required by local policy.[1] These obligations can be supplemented by municipal regulations.
Tenants are entitled to basic fire safety in their homes.
Landlord responsibilities
- Ensure basic fire safety and, where applicable, install working smoke alarms.
- Carry out maintenance and repairs that affect fire safety, such as electrical systems and fixed installations.
- Respond promptly to written reports about missing or defective smoke alarms and record defects.
Document communication in writing to keep evidence later on.
Your responsibilities as a tenant
- Check smoke alarms regularly and replace batteries according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Report defects or missing alarms immediately in writing to the landlord and keep copies of your report.
- Keep escape routes clear and do not use equipment that increases fire risk without permission.
Respond quickly to danger and leave the property if there is an immediate fire risk.
What to do if your landlord does not respond
First send a written notice with a reasonable deadline for repair (for example, two weeks). Keep evidence such as emails, photos and delivery receipts. If the landlord does not respond within the stated deadline you can turn to official bodies or seek legal help.
If there is immediate danger, call the fire brigade and leave the building immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is responsible for installing smoke alarms?
- In most cases the landlord is responsible for installation and basic safety.
- What can you do if the landlord does not respond?
- Send a written report, keep evidence and involve the Rent Tribunal or the court if necessary.
- May I remove a smoke alarm?
- No, you must not disable safety equipment; consult your landlord first.
How to act
- Check immediately whether smoke alarms are present and functional.
- Make a written report to the landlord and set a reasonable deadline for repair.
- Keep photos, timestamps and copies of messages as evidence.
- If no solution appears, contact the Rent Tribunal or consult official procedures.[2]
Key takeaways
- Ensure smoke alarms work and are installed according to local rules.
- Document problems and communication in writing.
- Use official bodies if the landlord does not cooperate.
Help and support
- Wetten.overheid.nl — Civil Code Book 7
- Rent Tribunal — procedures and forms
- Government.nl — information on safety and housing
