Last federal state closes the gap
In 2016, Berlin became the last German federal state to introduce a mandatory smoke detector requirement. The amended building code stipulated that all apartments in Berlin must be fitted with smoke alarms. New builds already had to comply; existing apartments were given a retrofit deadline of 31 December 2020.
How far behind Berlin had fallen is illustrated by one figure: in 2014, only about seven percent of Berlin households had smoke detectors installed. In Schleswig-Holstein, where the requirement had been in place for over a decade, the figure was 95 percent.
What the regulation required
Smoke detectors had to be installed in all bedrooms, children's rooms and corridors serving as escape routes. Kitchens and bathrooms were exempt to avoid false alarms from steam and cooking fumes.
Costs and responsibilities
The landlord was responsible for installation. The costs could be passed on to tenants as a modernisation measure. Maintenance and battery replacement were, by law, the responsibility of the occupant, typically the tenant. Tenants' associations criticised the cost pass-through. Owners were advised to define responsibilities clearly in the rental agreement.
Retrofit needs in existing stock
The retrofit requirement was particularly large in boroughs with a high share of older buildings, such as Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf and Neukoelln. Owners with larger portfolios had to plan the conversion both logistically and financially. Getting quotes early made sense to avoid bottlenecks as the deadline approached.
The regulation was another step toward aligning standards across the Berlin housing market.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. The content does not replace individual consultation with a tax advisor or attorney. No liability is assumed for accuracy or completeness.
