Smoke alarm Installations 2025

Important resident notice – smoke alarms

 

Due to a change in the Rescue Act, responsibility for smoke alarms in residential buildings will transfer to the property owner. According to the law, this responsibility will officially transfer on January 1, 2026. In Joensuun Kodit Oy properties, smoke alarm installations will be carried out during 2025, after which Joensuun Kodit will be responsible for the alarms and their maintenance.

 

The installations apply to apartments that currently do not have Joensuun Kodit Oy-owned smoke alarms operating on mains power. Residents will receive more detailed information about the installation schedule. This guide will be distributed to residents during the installation and will also be available at www.joensuunkodit.fi.

 

This guide contains important information about the responsibilities of residents and the property owner. Please read it carefully and keep it in your apartment.

 

Responsibilities of the Property Owner (Joensuun Kodit Oy)

-Ensure that the required number of smoke alarms are installed in each apartment according to the law

-Maintain the smoke alarms and replace or repair any faulty alarms

-Is not responsible for alarms owned by residents. Alarms installed by Joensuun Kodit Oy will be clearly labeled with identifiable stickers

 

Responsibilities of the Resident

-Report any observed faults immediately to the property owner, preferably to building maintenance. Examples of faults include:

-Alarm does not function when tested

-False alarms

-Alarm detached from its mounting spot

-Test the smoke alarm regularly

-Clean the smoke alarm as instructed

-Do not remove the smoke alarm. The alarm is sealed with a sticker. A fee will be charged according to the resident billing price list if a new alarm has to be installed

-Residents may only perform the maintenance tasks listed above

-Do not cover or paint the alarm

 

Smoke Alarm Installed in Your Apartment

-One smoke alarm will be installed for every 60 m² (rounded up) and/or one alarm per floor

-The alarm operates on a sealed battery, which cannot be removed.

-The battery has a 10-year lifespan and warranty

 

Maintenance Instructions for residents

-Test the alarm once a month or after an extended absence

-Clean the alarm once a month using the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner. Do not remove the alarm

-A detailed user and maintenance manual from the manufacturer is provided at the time of installation. It includes instructions on testing, cleaning, and understanding the alarm’s features and sound signals

 

Installation and old smoke alarms

-New alarms will be installed according to the 2024 smoke alarm guide published by SPEK

-The property owner is responsible for installing one smoke alarm per floor and for every 60 m² (rounded up). The fire authorities recommend installing alarms in every bedroom. Installing extra alarms is encouraged but is the resident's responsibility

-The removal of old alarms will be handled by the installers, but only in areas where the property owner’s alarms are being installed. Other alarms in the apartment will not be removed.

If you wish to keep your old alarms (either loose or mounted), please clearly inform the installers before they enter your apartment. The contractor's notice will include contact information for reporting this. Removed alarms will be disposed of as electronic waste (WEEE) by the contractor

 

Smoke alarms in common areas

In addition to apartment alarms, some alarms will be installed in common areas to enhance fire safety. These will be placed in stairwells, separate hallways of common areas, and operational club rooms.

 

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