You Must Install Detectors — New Rule Starts Soon

26 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

New staged rule requires smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Poland. Learn deadlines, insurance risks, and costs for expats.

From December 23, new rules require smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Poland in many buildings. Consequently, landlords and owners must act fast to avoid insurance disputes and safety risks.

Table of Contents

What the new regulation says

The Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak signed the regulation on November 21, 2024. Therefore, the rule phases in across four dates. First, new residential buildings and hotels need detectors from December 23, 2024. In addition, commercial, production and storage buildings face the rule on January 1, 2026. Moreover, short-term rentals and fuel-burning service premises must comply by June 30, 2026. Finally, all remaining flats must meet the rule by January 1, 2030. However, financial risk does not wait for formal deadlines.

Why insurers now matter

Insurers will use firefighter protocols when they evaluate claims. Consequently, companies can refuse payouts when protocols show missing devices. Moreover, they may cite “gross negligence” as a legal basis for denial. Therefore, a fire or carbon monoxide incident can leave you fully liable. In addition, that includes liability to tenants or guests. For example, Airbnb hosts face the same exposure as landlords. Importantly, the state fire service (Państwowa Straż Pożarna) can also order fixes. However, the real hit often comes only when an insurer refuses to pay.

New regulation: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in Poland

When a protocol names a missing detector, insurers rarely treat it lightly. Consequently, some claims will not reach recipients. Moreover, that applies both to property damage and to third-party injury claims. Therefore, even small apartments risk tens of thousands of zloty in uncovered losses. In addition, the regulation leaves room for administrative inspections. However, the absence of a set fine means insurers carry out the strongest enforcement.

Costs, compliance and practical steps

Detectors cost little compared with potential losses. For example, a standard smoke alarm (PN-EN 14604) costs roughly 33 to 200 PLN. In addition, a CO alarm (PN-EN 50291-1) ranges from 80 to 300 PLN. Moreover, combined units start at 139 PLN. Therefore, a typical two-bedroom flat needs roughly 200 to 500 PLN in devices. Installation often runs 50 to 100 PLN per unit. Consequently, you can fix compliance in a single weekend.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you rent in Poland, notify your landlord and check your lease. Moreover, short-term rental hosts must act before June 30, 2026. In addition, understand local terms like ZUS (social insurance), NFZ (national health fund) and PESEL (national ID number). Therefore, register any device installations with building management when required.

Statistics explain why the rule exists. In 2024, Poland recorded over 27,400 residential fires. Moreover, 269 people died in those fires. In addition, carbon monoxide killed 43 people and injured nearly 1,200. Notably, 60% of fatal CO cases happened where no detector existed. Therefore, many European neighbours with long-standing rules show much lower death rates.

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