Although they still work – That’s why many renters and owners will soon have to replace all smoke detectors

In Germany one applies
Smoke detectors are mandatory for privately used living space
. However, there is no uniform nationwide regulation for this, what exactly is your matter is regulated by your federal state.

And there are definitely differences here: Rhineland-Palatinate, for example, started making smoke detectors compulsory in new buildings as early as 2003, while in Saxony, on the other hand, a transitional phase for existing buildings will continue until the end of 2023.

But once the smoke detectors are hanging, you have some peace. However, you cannot operate the devices forever. There is an exchange obligation:
After 10 years
smoke detectors need to be replaced. The corresponding standard speaks of a transition period of six months, 10 years after commissioning. It means that

Exchange after 10 years

One can find several reasons for limiting the operation to 10 years, but the most important one is that security is no longer guaranteed after that. Proper functioning is restricted after 10 years due to dust and dirt, which is why smoke detectors must be replaced.

This is not a manufacturer’s specification or good advice from a craftsman, but one
exchange obligation
. As a rule, owners must take care of the smoke detectors. The devices may be serviced by experts anyway. If an exchange is pending, it will be done immediately and tenants don’t have to worry about anything.

Based on the introduction obligations of the federal states, the residents of the following federal states should have to replace their smoke detectors next year or at least check the deadline:

• Baden-WürttembergBavaria
• Lower Saxony
• North Rhine-Westphalia
• Rhineland-Palatinate

How old are your smoke alarms?

But how do you find out how long the smoke detector has been in operation? If you have not noted the date of commissioning or a smart smoke detector does not show it in the app, it is usually sufficient to unscrew the device briefly. Inside, you usually should
manufacturing date
Find. Once you have checked this, the smoke detector should be reinstalled.

We have attached a table with the
Deadlines in your state
. It is also noted there when the next one will probably be
Replacement of the smoke detector
coming up for you. Important: We base the information on the statutory deadlines for smoke detectors. However, it is possible that you put your smoke detectors into operation at a different time. Then you have to determine the replacement date yourself.