The Romanian government mandates smoke detectors in all apartments in new buildings.

The Romanian government has adopted an emergency ordinance that requires real estate developers to install autonomous fire detectors in every apartment of new buildings. The measure, which came into effect in March, provides for fines of up to 50,000 lei for non-compliance with this obligation and is part of a package of legislative changes for fire protection. Ordinance no. 17/2026 amends Law no. 307/2006, introducing the obligation to equip apartments with fire detectors, which must be installed in parallel with existing alarm systems. Additionally, fire safety permits may be suspended in the event of non-functioning safety installations.

The General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations will publish monthly information about buildings with fire safety permits, and administrative procedures will be simplified, with clear deadlines for approvals and permits. Furthermore, the regulatory act introduces criminal penalties for serious violations of safety standards. The government justifies these measures by the increased number of fires and recent tragedies that have highlighted deficiencies in compliance with safety standards.