What does the Rescue Act require?
Under section 17 of the Rescue Act, the owner of a building is obliged to ensure that each dwelling is equipped with a sufficient number of smoke alarms or other devices that detect an incipient fire as early as possible and warn the people in the dwelling. The owner must also keep the devices in working order.
The owner’s obligation entered into force on 1 January 2026, two years after the amendment to the Rescue Act (436/2023) entered into force. The upkeep obligation also covers battery-powered smoke alarms, not just mains-connected ones.
The owner or its representative has the right to enter a dwelling when this is necessary to fulfil the obligation. The visit is arranged at a time convenient for the resident within a reasonable period, unless the urgency or nature of the work requires otherwise.
In accommodation premises, care facilities and service and supported housing, the same obligation lies with the operator.
What remains the resident’s responsibility?
Residents must report faults in smoke alarms and other devices to the housing company without delay (Rescue Act, section 17). A dwelling may also have smoke alarms acquired by the resident or additional devices that supplement the alarm sound (Ministry of the Interior Decree 300/2025).
So that residents know what to do, the housing company should explain how the smoke alarm works, how to report faults and what to do in an alarm or problem situation.
How many alarms does a dwelling need?
Under the Decree of the Ministry of the Interior on Smoke Alarms (300/2025), a dwelling must have at least one smoke alarm for every 60 square metres or part thereof on each floor or level. The Decree entered into force on 1 January 2026. It replaced the previous smoke alarm decree.
The Decree also sets out rules on placement:
- smoke alarms are installed on the ceiling of the room, unless the characteristics of the alarm prevent this
- the distance from walls and wall-like structural elements is at least 0.5 metres
- placement takes into account the shape of the room, ventilation and the audibility of the alarm sound
The minimum number is not always enough. In addition to floor area, it is worth assessing the shape of the spaces, activities that pose a particular ignition risk, the number of storeys and the escape routes. According to the recommendation of the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), a smoke alarm is placed in every bedroom and in the hallway and, on upper floors, also above the staircase, as explained in the article Fire safety in homes.
Smoke alarms or a fire alarm system?
Under Decree 300/2025, its provisions also apply to a fire alarm system or other fire detection device that replaces smoke alarms. In that case, the smoke sensitivity of the detectors and the volume of the alarm sound must be at least at the level of smoke alarms.
A housing company can therefore choose a centralised system instead of stand-alone battery-powered or mains-powered alarms. PAP offers housing companies centralised systems compliant with the EN 54 standard: Panasonic’s EBL One for smaller sites and the EBL512 G3 for larger ones.
A central unit monitors the detectors
The detectors are addressable. The control panel reports, for example, a contaminated or removed detector. There is no need to visit each flat to test the alarms one by one.
A wireless option
Wireless Panasonic detectors have features equivalent to battery-powered alarms, but no cabling is needed for installation. Information about problems is passed on to the maintenance company.
Fewer unnecessary alarms
A multi-sensor detector monitors heat as well as smoke. Its sensitivity can be adjusted, and the detector can be silenced for a moment with a button, for example because of steam from a shower.
When the building has a statutory fire alarm system
The Decree of the Ministry of the Environment on the Fire Safety of Buildings (848/2017, table 12) determines when a smoke alarm is sufficient for dwellings and when a fire alarm system, or a fire alarm system connected to the Emergency Response Centre, is required. If the housing company’s fire alarm system is statutory, it is covered by the Act on Certain Fire Safety Equipment (191/2024).
In that case, an inspection body carries out a verification inspection of the system before it is taken into use and a periodic inspection every three years. As the system holder, the housing company is also responsible for the maintenance programme, the monthly testing of the transmission link and the recording of maintenance (Decree 976/2024 of the Ministry of the Interior). The obligations are summarised on the maintenance and servicing page.
Checklist
- the number and placement of smoke alarms in the dwellings have been surveyed in accordance with Decree 300/2025
- there is a plan and a responsible person for acquisition and upkeep
- residents have been given instructions on how the alarms work, on reporting faults and on alarm situations
- the receipt and repair of fault reports have been agreed
- residents are notified of visits to their flats in good time
- alarms are replaced in line with the service life stated by the manufacturer
- the measures taken are recorded and the documents are kept in one place
- the rescue plan reflects the current arrangements
What must residents be told?
The law does not prescribe the form of the instructions, but the housing company should tell residents how the smoke alarms work, about the duty to report and about problem situations. Good induction helps residents notice faults and report them in time.
Is the minimum number set by the Decree enough?
Not always. The minimum is one alarm for every 60 square metres or part thereof on each floor or level, but the shape of the spaces, activities that pose an ignition risk and the audibility of the alarm sound may call for more.
Can the alarms be connected to a central system?
Yes. In a centralised system, the detectors in the dwellings are connected to a central unit that monitors their condition. There is then no need to visit each flat to test the detectors one by one.
May the alarms be checked inside a resident’s dwelling?
Yes, when this is necessary to fulfil its obligation. Under section 17 of the Rescue Act, the visit is arranged at a time convenient for the resident within a reasonable period, unless the urgency or nature of the work requires otherwise.
Who changes the batteries?
Upkeep is the housing company’s responsibility, including for battery-powered alarms. The resident’s task is to report a fault without delay. The housing company agrees on the practical arrangements, such as battery replacement, and instructs residents accordingly.
Can system maintenance be put out to tender?
Yes. The Panasonic systems installed by PAP are open: the housing company can order their maintenance from any fire alarm company. Background on the change in the law is given in the article Responsibility for smoke alarms moves from residents to housing companies.
Request a quote for your housing company
Tell us the number of dwellings and buildings, the existing smoke alarms or systems and previous maintenance information. Our sales team will assess your needs and put together a quotation. A housing company’s other fire safety obligations are explained on the housing companies page.