Am I required to allow smoke detectors to be checked?

Questioner

Am I obliged in the municipality of The Hague to allow an inspector into my own home ('behind the front door') to check whether the smoke detectors that are mandatory as of July 1, 2022 are present?

Lawyer

The obligation is included in the Building Decree and not in something like the Criminal Code. Enforcement of the Building Decree and this obligation is in principle up to the municipality. Previously, the rule already applied to new-build homes and inspections also took place, for example, in the context of (building) permits. It will not happen so quickly that civil servants will be at the door to actively check for smoke detectors. More information about possible enforcement can be found via the link below: https://rijksoverheid.bouwbesluit.com/Inhoud/docs/wet/bb2012_nvt/11/algemeen-deel-bij-de-nota-van-toelichting-stb.-2021-147/9 The issue will probably mainly play a role in insurance questions/coverage, sale/renovation of homes and rent (disputes). In addition, there are now unfortunately also criminals who use the mandatory smoke detector as a chat trick.