Lumo homes installed a significant number of new fire alarms to ensure the safety of its residents, following the revision of the Rescue Act.
With the revised Rescue Act, the responsibility for the purchase and maintenance of fire alarms will transfer to the property owner after 31 December 2025. During 2025, all Lumo homes that did not yet have property-owned fire alarms have been equipped with new ones.
Over 25,000 apartments received new fire alarms
Over the course of nearly a year, Lumo homes has installed or replaced fire alarms in more than 25,000 apartments. At the same time, all fire alarms in shared spaces have been renewed. In newer buildings, mains-powered alarms were already in place; their backup batteries are replaced annually by the landlord when applicable, and the alarms themselves are replaced at least every 10 years. In about 2,000 apartments, the project included replacing existing mains-powered alarms.
“We decided to renew all fire alarms in each building at once so that the alarms in shared spaces are identical to those in apartments, and all follow the same ten-year replacement cycle. The project has significantly improved the residential safety of our buildings,” explains Pasi Kujansuu, Director of Property Services at Lumo homes.
The number of fire alarms installed in apartments follows fire safety guidelines: one alarm in apartments under 60 m², two alarms in apartments between 60–119 m², and at least one alarm on each floor in duplex apartments for every 60 m² started.
According to the guidelines, the first alarm is placed along the apartment’s escape route, and in apartments of 60 m² or larger, additional alarms are placed in the bedrooms. Residents may, of course, purchase and install additional alarms, although it is not required by law.
“It is recommended to have a alarm in every bedroom. The most important thing, however, is that our residents regularly test and clean the alarms and know how to act correctly in the event of a fire. We also remind our residents about fire safety matters regularly,” Kujansuu adds.
Installed by fire safety professionals
In the capital region, fire alarm installations were carried out by KT Paloturvapalvelut Oy, and in all other Lumo homes cities by Safetycon Oy.
“The biggest thanks go to our partners, who completed the project on schedule and with great professionalism. Some installers had a background in firefighting, which ensured that the placement of alarms followed the best practical expertise in the field,” Kujansuu praises.
Both the legal reform and this extensive renewal project have further improved fire safety in Lumo homes, ensuring that every home now has a functioning fire alarm.
Responsibilities going forward
From the beginning of 2026, Lumo homes, as the property owner and landlord, will be responsible for the purchase and maintenance of fire alarms in its buildings.
Residents will continue to be responsible for regularly testing and cleaning the alarms and for immediately reporting any faults to the maintenance company.
“Dust can easily accumulate in the alarms, which may interfere with their function or cause unnecessary alarms. Even fruit flies, for example, can trigger false alerts. That’s why it’s important that residents test and clean the alarms by vacuuming them monthly. As the landlord, it is our duty to replace faulty alarms immediately – and all alarms before they reach ten years of use,” Kujansuu clarifies.
“In recent months, we’ve observed that the new alarms function as intended and are highly responsive to smoke or steam in the apartment. For this reason, residents should adjust their living habits to avoid unnecessary alarms – for example, by keeping the bathroom door closed when showering and ensuring proper kitchen ventilation when cooking,” Kujansuu notes.