Smoke Alarms

Recently it has become a requirement for newly built properties to have smoke alarms installed. In the future existing properties may also need to have smoke alarms installed, but this will be decided by each individual German county. For example, in Hamburg all properties built since 2006 must have smoke alarms installed, whilst existing properties will be required to have smoke alarms from 2010 onwards. Some landlords will choose to purchase and install smoke alarms themselves; you are advised to install a smoke alarm in each bedroom, and in the lounge and entrance hall. It is not always legally required for a smoke alarm to be fitted, but it is common sense to ensure that one is installed in your own property, especially since smoke alarms are not expensive investments but do save lives.