Smoke alarms in France (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Every dwelling must have at least one smoke alarm. The owner fits it and the occupant maintains it, except in furnished and seasonal rentals, where the owner does both.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Smoke alarm legally required in homesSmoke alarms in dwellings | Yes [1] |
| Minimum alarms and whereSmoke alarms in dwellings | At least one smoke alarm per dwelling, in the corridor serving the bedrooms; none in shared parts of a building. [1] |
| Who must fit the alarmsSmoke alarms in dwellings | Owner [1] |
| Who must keep them workingSmoke alarms in dwellings | Occupier (tenant or resident) [1] |
| Date the duty applies (existing homes: compliance date)Smoke alarms in dwellings | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- Legal basis given by the source: Code de la construction et de l'habitation, articles L142-1 to L142-4 and R142-1 to R142-5. The occupant must tell the home insurer that an alarm is fitted.
- In furnished rentals, seasonal rentals and housing tied to a job, the owner handles installation, maintenance and replacement. In unfurnished rentals the landlord checks the alarm works at the inventory of fixtures.
- The page consulted gives no compliance date, so none is shown.
Sources
- Direction de l'information légale et administrative (service-public.gouv.fr): Détecteur de fumée : sécurité incendie dans le logement (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.