Since March 8, 2015, the Alur law requires each dwelling to be equipped with an autonomous smoke alarm detector (Daaf), also called a smoke detector.
By emitting an audible and visual signal, this device prevents many fatal domestic fires.
But which of the owner or the tenant should install it? What are the consequences of this installation on the housing insurance?
The answers to all your questions.
The purpose of the smoke detector is to alert the occupants of the dwelling to a danger, in particular of fire. It detects smoke from the combustion of wood, paper or plastic.
The signal is strong enough to wake someone from sleeping.
Thus, he can react quickly to the source of the danger, for example by extinguishing a fire or by unplugging electrical appliances.
He can also get to safety and leave the scene and call the fire department.
A Daaf must comply with European standard NF EN 14604.
Its lifespan is about 10 years. The most economical and common models are those with ionization, which are more sensitive to smoke.
The price of a detector varies from around ten euros for basic equipment to more than a hundred euros for a smoke detector connected.
Whether owner or tenant, the occupant of the dwelling must inform his insurer of the installation of the detector.
How to install the smoke detector
It is the responsibility of the occupying owner or lessor to equip his accommodation with a smoke detector.
In new homes, the Daaf must be supplied and installed by the developer.
If the accommodation is rented out, the owner can:
- Either install or have installed the detector itself or involve a company at its own expense (about 100 euros).
- Or let the tenant buy the detector, and reimburse him the purchase invoice, and install it. Attention, if the tenant involves a professional for the installation, the sum remains at his expense.
That’s how it is.
Where to install the smoke detector?
The smoke detector must be firmly fixed to the ceiling.
To prevent the alarm from sounding at the smallest piece of charred bread in the toaster, it is best to avoid installing the detector near the kitchen.
Prefer clearance locations such as the landing or circulation serving the bedrooms.
In large homes or with several floors, install several detectors, if possible one per floor.
How can I be sure that the smoke detector is working properly?
It all depends on whether the dwelling is rented or owner-occupied.
Housing for rent
In the case of an unfurnished rental, at the start of the lease, during the inventory of fixtures, the tenant must check that the detector is properly installed in the accommodation and in working order.
During the lease, the occupant must ensure that the device works, and if necessary change the used lithium batteries.
If the Daaf is defective, he must replace it at his own expense.
This obligation does not apply to short-term rentals of the seasonal accommodation type, to self-catering and hotel residences with a social vocation, to company accommodation and to furnished rentals.
In these cases, the obligation to verify the proper functioning of the smoke detector rests with the owner.
1. Owner occupied accommodation
The owner is responsible for the purchase, installation and verification of the proper functioning of the Daaf.
He is responsible for replacing the detector if it is defective.
2. The occupant must inform his insurance
Whether you are a tenant or an occupying owner, you must provide your insurer with a certificate of installation of the equipment.
The law makes this notification mandatory (art. L129-8 of the Construction and Housing Code).
In practice, fire detector manufacturers provide a model to be completed and returned to your insurer.
You can also send the following text to your insurer, by post or email: “I, the undersigned [your last name and first name], holder of contract no. [contract number] certify that I have installed a standardized smoke detector at [your address] in accordance to standard NF EN 14604.
It is above all a declaration on honor, the impact of which is limited.
If you have a fire or an explosion, while you have not installed a detector, or you have not notified its installation, the insurer cannot refuse to compensate you.
Nor can he increase the deductible.
The insurer may reduce the premium or reimbursement
Moreover, Installing a smoke detector can have a direct impact on your insurance rate.
The law authorizes insurers to reduce the amount of contributions for policyholders who have sent a notification of installation. Some insurers already practice reductions, of the order of 5 to 10%, to compensate for the reduction in the risk of fire.
What are the differences with heat and carbon monoxide detectors?
Of the three types of detectors, only the one that detects smoke is mandatory. However, the other two are complementary and help to avoid sometimes fatal domestic accidents.
1. The heat detector
The heat detector is equipped with a temperature sensor. Depending on the model, it can trigger an audible signal in the following situations:
- When a room reaches a critical heat threshold (between 55° and 60°).
- During a sudden and considerable temperature amplitude
- When the battery level is low
They come in addition to the smoke detector.
They are installed in rooms where the smoke detector would go off unexpectedly, such as in the kitchen or bathroom, It will also become mandatory.
2. The carbon monoxide detector
There are about 100 deaths each year from carbon monoxide poisoning. This painless, painless and non-irritating gas represents the first cause of death by poisoning in France.
This is why it is important to equip yourself with an adequate alarm.
The role of the carbon monoxide detector is to alert if a combustion device such as the auxiliary heater, the boiler or insert delivers carbon monoxide.
It must comply with the ULC-2034 standard and the UL certification must appear on the packaging.
In order to ensure the quality of the product, you must choose a device that complies with the EN 50291 standard.
There are dual function detectors: smoke and monoxide.
However we do not recommend opting for this model. Indeed their use differs and their location must be adapted accordingly.
If the smoke detector should be placed in the hallway instead, the monoxide detector should be located near the combustion points.
Conclusion
Implementing smoke detector in the house or our home is not all about obeying the law, but mainly about protecting our life and property.
I hope you find this post useful.
If you have any question or suggestion, you can let us know by commenting below.
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