Fire Safety & Insurances: What’s Changing for Your Property in 2025

Checklist: Essential Coverage for Your Property

For Owners: Must-Have Insurance Coverage

Some policies aren’t legally required but are strongly recommended to ensure complete protection:

• Home fire insurance: Covers damage from fire, water leaks, and natural disasters. (Mandatory)

• Liability insurance: Covers damage caused to third parties (e.g., falling roof tiles). (Optional)

• Legal protection insurance: Covers legal costs in case of disputes (construction issues, neighbours, unpaid rent, etc.). (Optional)

• All-risk construction insurance (TRC): Highly recommended for renovation or construction projects. (Optional)

For Tenants: Your Legal Obligations and Protections

In Wallonia and Brussels, tenants are subject to specific insurance requirements:

• Fire insurance: Required by law, it covers damage to the rented property. (Mandatory)

• Liability insurance: Protects you against damage caused to others (e.g., water leakage affecting neighbours). (Optional)

• Contents insurance: While not required, it’s strongly advised to cover personal belongings against fire, theft, and damage. (Optional)

Why Insurance Really Matters ?

Beyond legal compliance, having the right insurance means:

• Being covered for major incidents: fires, floods, and water damage

• Protecting your legal rights in case of conflict or litigation

• Safeguarding the long-term value of your real estate asset

Be aware: if your property doesn’t meet safety requirements (especially fire detection), your insurer may refuse to compensate you in case of damage. That’s why compliance is key.

Smoke Detectors: Now Mandatory for All Homes

As of early 2025, all residential properties in Brussels must be equipped with functional smoke detectors this applies to both owners and tenants.

Here’s what the law requires:

• At least one detector per habitable floor

• Mandatory installation in hallways leading to bedrooms

• Devices must carry the CE certification and meet current safety standards

Additional key points:

• Detectors must be powered by non-replaceable batteries with a lifespan of at least 5 years, or be connected to the mains

• In buildings with shared spaces (like common halls or collective boilers), centralised detection systems may be required

• The owner is responsible for installing the devices

• The tenant must maintain them: test regularly and replace batteries if needed

Pro tip: test your detectors frequently and replace them every 10 years.

Good to Know

The Brussels Fire Department offers a free home visit to assess fire safety. This includes personalised advice on where to place your detectors and how to ensure compliance.

Whether you own or rent, the safety of your home depends on your ability to stay ahead of legal requirements and make the right insurance decisions. Taking the proper steps now not only protects your property — it gives you peace of mind.

Protect your property. Secure your future.