Fire alarms are an essential piece of equipment for keeping you safe, as they alert you early with an alarm or warning when a fire breaks out inside a building.
This article provides a detailed explanation of what fire alarms are, the costs involved in installation, and the key points to check when choosing a unit.
The latter half also covers points to keep in mind when installing fire alarms and important notes after installation, so whether you currently manage a rental apartment or are considering doing so in the future, be sure to read through to the end.
What Is a Fire Alarm?
Here we explain in detail what fire alarms are.
We also introduce the most common causes of residential fires, so be sure to check them out.
A Device That Detects and Alerts You to Fire
As the name suggests, a fire alarm is a device that detects a fire inside a building as early as possible and notifies you of it.
It detects smoke produced by a fire, and can be used simply by installing the unit itself on a ceiling or wall.
When a fire breaks out inside a building, people often notice it by smelling something burning or by seeing smoke or flames.
However, if you happen to be in a room away from where the fire started, or if you are asleep, there is a risk that you may not notice it in time.
Even in such situations, a fire alarm can detect the fire early and alert you with an alarm or warning sound.
Common Causes of Residential Fires
According to the "Fiscal Year 2021 Fire Defense White Paper" published by the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, of the 34,691 fires that occurred in 2020, fires caused by cigarettes totaled 3,104, ranking first among causes of fire.
This was followed by bonfires in second place and cooking stoves in third.
Accidental fires like these account for the large majority of all fires, and most of their causes were attributed to careless handling or improper extinguishing of fire sources.
Preventing fires starts with being careful about things like making sure fires are fully extinguished, but even if a fire does break out, detecting it early makes it possible to take immediate action such as putting it out or evacuating.
Installing a fire alarm helps with early fire detection.
Are Fire Alarms Required in Rental Apartments?
Is it mandatory to install fire alarms when managing a rental apartment?
Here we explain in detail how fire alarms are handled in rental apartments.
Installation Is Required in All Buildings
Following the 2004 amendment to the Fire Service Act, fire alarm installation is required in all buildings.
Therefore, fire alarms are mandatory in rental apartments as well.
In addition to promoting adoption in existing buildings, the requirement for fire alarms to be installed in newly built homes took effect from 2006, and the installation rate now exceeds 80%.
In the case of rental properties, it is most common for the owner or property management company to install fire alarms, but the installation obligation applies not only to the manager but also to the owner.
Installation is required in stairways and bedrooms, but some local governments also mandate installation in kitchens and living rooms under their municipal ordinances.
Since ordinances vary by municipality, it is a good idea to check the relevant local government's website for the area where the building is located.
Why is there such a strong push for fire alarm installation?
It is related to the fact that many fire fatalities are caused by delayed evacuation.
More than 70% of fire victims are elderly, and many of these cases are attributed to fires that occur during nighttime sleeping hours.
For this reason, installing fire alarms and detecting fires early is directly connected to protecting lives and property.
Rental Apartments Are Also Required to Have Automatic Fire Alarm Systems
An automatic fire alarm system is a detection and alarm device that can send a fire signal to all alarm systems from a single point where a fire has been detected.
Unlike residential fire alarms, where the detection and alert functions are integrated into one unit and only the triggered alarm sounds, automatic fire alarm systems notify and warn areas where fire has not been detected, and can also alert security companies.
Automatic fire alarm systems are required to be installed in apartment buildings and other structures that exceed a certain size.
For this reason, the systems installed in places with large numbers of people, such as schools, city halls, and offices, are almost always automatic fire alarm systems.
In addition, apartments equipped with automatic fire alarm systems do not require separate fire alarm units to be installed.
However, if the system is installed only in common-area hallways or in some units on upper floors, fire alarms must still be installed in the residential sections not covered by the automatic fire alarm system.
What Happens If You Neglect the Installation Requirement?
While fire alarm installation has been required in all homes since 2006, there is no penalty for failing to install one.
As a result, the current reality is that nearly 20% of homes still do not have one.
However, many fire fatalities result from delayed evacuation.
Given that the elderly population is expected to continue growing, installing fire alarms is something that should be done in order to reduce fire-related deaths even slightly.
Types of Automatic Fire Alarm Systems
Automatic fire alarm systems automatically detect heat or smoke via sensors and transmit a fire signal to alert people inside the building. There are three types: heat detectors, smoke detectors, and flame detectors.
Here we explain each type in detail.
Heat Detectors
Heat detectors sense the heat generated when smoke from a fire transitions to flames.
A fire typically starts with smoke, which then ignites combustible materials to produce heat, and finally becomes a flame.
Therefore, when a heat detector activates, there is a high likelihood that a fire is already burning.
However, heat detectors come in both indoor and outdoor types, and outdoor models are often designed to function in special environments such as waterproof, moisture-resistant, and high-temperature conditions.
Outdoor-type models are suitable for humid locations such as kitchens and under eaves, or for high-temperature, high-humidity environments like mist saunas and stone spas.
Heat detectors come in two types — differential and fixed-temperature — and are used selectively based on sensitivity, classified as special grade, Type 1, or Type 2.
For example, a highly sensitive detector can be configured to trigger an emergency bell or warning alarm first, while a less sensitive one subsequently activates fire doors and fire shutters.
This sensitivity-based differentiation has the advantage of facilitating smoother evacuation guidance.
· Fixed-Temperature Spot-Type Detector
Activates when the ambient temperature around the detector reaches a fixed threshold, such as 70°C or above.
It does not react to steam or smoke at all.
Since it detects fires more slowly compared to differential types, it is generally installed in locations with high humidity.
· Differential Spot-Type Detector
Activates when the air inside the detector heats up and expands.
Unlike fixed-temperature types, it does not trigger at a set temperature; it allows internal air to escape when temperatures rise gradually in a non-fire situation, preventing false activation.
It is installed in locations without significant temperature fluctuations, such as living rooms, bedrooms, and offices.
Smoke Detectors
Smoke detectors sense the smoke produced in the early stages of a fire and come in three types: photoelectric spot type, photoelectric beam type, and ionization type.
Smoke detectors are highly effective at early fire detection and contribute to initial fire suppression, making them widely used.
In particular, buildings designated as "windowless floors" under the Fire Service Act, such as karaoke establishments, are required to install smoke detectors.
However, due to their more complex structure, they are often more expensive than heat detectors.
Additionally, smoke detectors cannot be used outdoors because condensation on the detection element renders them non-functional.
· Photoelectric Spot Type
Uses the diffused reflection of light to trigger the sensor inside the detector when smoke is present.
An LED inside the unit emits light continuously, and when this light hits smoke particles and scatters, the scattered light is detected by the receiver.
This is the most widely used and common type among smoke detectors, and it is installed in locations with a single heat source, such as kitchens.
· Photoelectric Beam Type
Emits an invisible beam of light between a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and triggers an alarm when smoke interrupts the beam.
Also known as the light-attenuation type, some models can be used with the two units placed up to approximately 100 meters apart.
· Ionization Type
Utilizes changes in ion current, and transmits a fire signal when the smoke concentration at the installation location reaches a set level.
It offers high sensitivity and good cost performance, making it widely used overseas.
However, since radioactive materials are used, special care is required when disposing of it in Japan.
Flame Detectors
Flame detectors sense the flames produced during a fire and come in two types: ultraviolet spot-type detectors and infrared spot-type detectors.
The flames produced during a fire contain not only visible light but also ultraviolet and infrared radiation.
Flame detectors trigger when these exceed a certain level.
Ultraviolet spot-type detectors are characterized by their fast response and wide monitoring range, but they may fail to detect flames when obstructed by furniture or other objects.
They also consume a lot of power, making batteries unsuitable for long-term use.
Flame detectors are installed in large spaces with high ceilings, such as movie theaters.
· Ultraviolet Spot-Type Detector
Transmits a signal when the ultraviolet radiation emitted from flames produced by a fire exceeds a certain level.
Uses an ultraviolet detection tube to detect ultraviolet wavelengths radiated from flames.
· Infrared Spot-Type Detector
Transmits a signal when the infrared radiation emitted from flames produced by a fire exceeds a certain level.
It is not affected by external air flow and is suitable for detecting fires over a wide area.
Fire Alarms Can Also Malfunction
Fire alarms are an extremely useful tool for alerting you to a fire as early as possible.
If a fire alarm sounds, you should promptly check for the source of the fire and respond appropriately.
However, if a fire alarm sounds but no source of fire can be found inside the room, it may have malfunctioned.
The alarm or warning sound can be stopped by pressing the alarm stop switch or pulling the string attached to the unit.
However, in the case of automatic fire alarm systems, since they are managed centrally for the entire apartment building, residents cannot individually stop the alarm even if it is a malfunction.
Since the manager must handle the response, make sure to address it promptly.
Costs of Installing a Fire Alarm
While fire alarm installation is required by law, many people are curious about how much it actually costs.
Next, we will explain the estimated cost range for installing a fire alarm, as well as who is responsible for covering the cost.
Typical Price Range for Fire Alarm Installation
Many people seem to think that fire alarm installation must be left to a professional, but it is also possible to install one yourself.
Fire alarms can be purchased at electronics retailers, home improvement stores, and online shops, and installation can be completed in about 10 minutes.
Residential fire alarms come in smoke-sensing and heat-sensing types, but smoke-sensing models that can detect fires in the early stages are the most commonly installed.
However, in locations like kitchens where smoke and steam can occur even without a fire, heat-sensing models are more appropriate.
Fire alarms can be purchased for around 3,000 yen per unit, while models with wireless connectivity that trigger alarms in linked units run approximately 7,000 to 9,000 yen per unit.
If you hire a professional for installation, the typical cost is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen per unit, or approximately 10,000 to 20,000 yen per unit for models with wireless connectivity.
Fire alarms also need to be replaced after approximately 10 years, so it is a good idea to write the installation date on a visible part of the unit, such as the side panel, when setting it up.
Who Covers the Cost?
The Tokyo Fire Department states that building owners, managers, and occupants are all obligated to install fire alarms, and that in the case of rental housing, the parties involved should discuss and decide among themselves.
That said, in practice, the manager such as the owner typically bears the installation cost in rental housing.
This is because, in the case of new construction, fire alarm installation is mandated by local ordinance, so it is often included during construction.
For existing properties, some cases involve asking tenants to cover the cost of installation, but in most cases the manager handles it.
When installing fire alarms in a rental apartment, it is generally best to assume that the manager, such as the owner, will cover the cost.
4 Key Points to Check When Choosing a Fire Alarm
With so many types of fire alarms available, what should you look for when making a selection?
Here we look at the four key points you should keep in mind.
① Detection Type
Automatic fire alarms come in three detection types: heat detectors, smoke detectors, and flame detectors.
In rental housing such as apartments and condominiums, units are commonly installed on ceilings where they detect heat, smoke, or flames, then send information to a receiver or alert a security company.
Since the installation location and characteristics differ depending on the detection type, choose a fire alarm suited to your apartment.
Based on the characteristics of each type described earlier, either a heat detector or smoke detector is recommended for apartments.
Heat detectors alert occupants to a fire via an alarm bell, voice announcement, or light when the surrounding temperature reaches 60°C or above.
Installing one in the kitchen, a common source of fires, helps prepare you for emergencies.
Smoke detectors, on the other hand, can provide early notification because they sense smoke that fills a room in the initial stages of a fire.
Many people choose smoke detectors to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning, which is a leading cause of fire-related deaths.
When installing in an apartment, using both a heat detector and a smoke detector in combination is recommended.
Flame detectors are designed for large spaces with high ceilings, such as theaters and movie theaters, and are not suitable for apartments.
② Activation Method
Fire alarms come in two activation methods: standalone and interconnected.
Consider the characteristics of each and decide which is right for you.
A standalone alarm only activates the unit installed at the location where the fire occurred, making it suitable for homes with fewer rooms or for single occupants.
Compared to interconnected alarms, these are less expensive and easier to install.
On the other hand, with an interconnected alarm, when the unit at the location where the fire occurred activates, all other linked units also activate.
This is recommended when the bedroom is far from the kitchen — a common source of fires — or when there are many rooms.
The strength of interconnected alarms is that they alert you to a fire no matter where you are in the home.
Consider your floor plan and the number of occupants when deciding which activation method to choose.
③ Alert Type
There are various types of alerts used to notify occupants of a fire, so check these in advance.
There are three types of alerts: voice alerts, buzzer alerts, and light alerts.
Note that the alarm sound and light specifications vary depending on the manufacturer producing the fire alarm.
Voice alerts announce the fire by loudly repeating messages such as "Fire! Fire!"
Some elderly people or children may not understand what is happening just from hearing a buzzer.
In such cases, a fire alarm that can deliver a voice announcement helps people evacuate immediately.
Buzzer alerts notify occupants of a fire with a loud buzzer, making it easy to notice even while asleep.
Light alerts notify occupants of a fire by flashing a strong light from the fire alarm unit itself.
These are recommended when living with people who have hearing impairments or elderly individuals who may not notice voice or buzzer alerts.
④ Whether It Meets Safety Standards
When choosing a fire alarm, it is also essential to verify whether it meets certain safety standards.
You need to check for the presence of an approval mark or NS mark to determine whether the fire alarm is safe to use.
Fire alarms bearing both the approval mark and the NS mark have been confirmed to meet equivalent performance standards.
So why are there two different safety-standard designations?
The reason is that the quality evaluation of alarms was transferred to a national certification system.
From April 1, 2014, residential alarm devices became subject to national certification, and products meeting safety standards began to be designated with the approval mark.
Before the transition to the national certification system, the NS mark was used to indicate that safety standards had been met.
Sales were permitted under a transitional provision through March 31, 2019, but selling products without the approval mark after that date is not permitted.
Since the approval mark and NS mark serve as proof that a product meets certain safety standards, always confirm that the mark is present when purchasing.
If you are planning to purchase in the future, choose products bearing the approval mark.
Key Points for Installing Fire Alarms in Rental Apartments
There are several rules that govern the installation of fire alarms, which protect our lives.
Here we introduce the key points to keep in mind when installing fire alarms in apartments.
Confirm Where They Should Be Installed
Fire alarms must be installed in locations specified by the Fire Service Act and each municipality's ordinances.
For example, the Tokyo Fire Department, which has jurisdiction over the 23 wards of Tokyo, mandates installation on the ceiling or wall of regularly used rooms such as living rooms, children's rooms, and bedrooms, as well as in stairways on floors with bedrooms and in kitchens.
The type of fire alarm is also specified for each installation location, so confirm this in advance.
Smoke detectors are recommended for living spaces and stairways, while either smoke or heat detectors are recommended for kitchens.
Also, the Osaka City Fire Bureau, which has jurisdiction over central Osaka, mandates installation in bedrooms, hallways, kitchens, and stairways on floors with bedrooms, and also recommends installation in rooms not used as bedrooms.
As in Tokyo, installation is on the ceiling or wall.
As shown here, since installation locations and requirements vary by municipality, it is important to check the ordinances in the area where the property is located.
Rules for Installing Fire Alarms
When installing a fire alarm, there are rules that apply depending on the installation location.
Keep the following points in mind during installation.
For Ceilings
For ceilings, install the unit so that the center of the device is at least 60 cm away from the wall.
When installing near a beam or similar structure, confirm that the center of the device is at least 60 cm away from the beam.
Also, when installing near a ventilation opening or air conditioning outlet, it must be placed at least 1.5 m away.
Additional detailed rules may be set out by each municipality's ordinances, so be sure to confirm these.
For Walls
For walls, it is required to install the unit within 15 to 50 cm from the ceiling.
If there are lighting fixtures nearby, install the unit at least 30 cm away from them.
Also, when installing a smoke-type fire alarm, it is advisable to avoid the area around a gas range.
Prohibited Installation Locations
While fire alarms must be installed on ceilings or walls, there are also locations where installation is prohibited, so caution is required.
Installation is not permitted directly above wardrobes, near ranges or stoves, in locations subject to intense temperature increases from direct sunlight, near lighting fixtures, in locations where water droplets or condensation occur, or outdoors, as the device may not function properly in these locations.
By following the rules set out in each municipality's ordinances and installing in the correct location, the alarm will be able to perform its intended function.
Equipment Inspection Is Also Required After Installation!
We have covered the role and types of fire alarms as well as key points for installation in rental apartments, but equipment inspections after installation are also important for protecting lives from fire.
What specific steps should be followed when conducting an inspection?
Landlords Are Obligated to Conduct Inspections
Landlords who manage rental properties must manage the building equipment of their apartments and other housing.
Of particular importance is the statutory inspection, which consists of five laws: the Fire Service Act, the Water Supply Act, the Building Standards Act and Industrial Safety and Health Act, the Septic Tank Act, and the Electricity Business Act.
Landlords are required to conduct regular inspections in accordance with these laws, which constitute statutory inspections.
Here we focus on the Fire Service Act.
Among the five laws mentioned above, the Fire Service Act is particularly strict and is essential for protecting the lives of residents living in the apartment.
Fire equipment inspections are mandated by law as part of building management, and the landlord managing the rental property is obligated to conduct them.
In rental apartments, inspections cover not only fire alarms but also fire extinguishers, evacuation equipment, emergency lights, emergency warning systems, and connected water supply pipes.
Fire equipment inspections are required to be conducted once every six months, and the results must be reported to the fire chief of the relevant jurisdiction.
If a fire breaks out as a result of neglected inspections, the landlord bears full responsibility.
Also, failure to report the results of the twice-yearly inspections to the fire chief of the relevant jurisdiction can result in a fine of up to 300,000 yen or detention, so this must not be overlooked.
The risks of failing to conduct fire equipment inspections simply out of inconvenience are extremely high, so inspections must be carried out without fail every six months.
It is too late to take action after a fire has already broken out.
Conducting thorough statutory inspections will also contribute to maintaining a stable occupancy rate.
Notes on Fire Equipment Inspections
While fire equipment inspections are mandated by law, there are several things to be aware of when conducting them.
Knowing these points in advance will help you avoid problems.
Criminal Liability May Apply If There Are Deficiencies in Evacuation Equipment
Among the three categories of fire equipment inspections — alarm systems, fire suppression systems, and evacuation equipment — evacuation equipment in particular plays a critical role in ensuring resident safety.
If deficiencies are found in this evacuation equipment, the landlord may face criminal liability, so caution is required.
There have been past cases in which landlords received prison sentences for professional negligence resulting in injury.
In apartments and other rental housing, evacuation ladders and emergency lights are installed outdoors and thus tend to develop deficiencies more easily.
Be sure to check these thoroughly during inspections to avoid any problems.
Notify Residents Before Conducting an Inspection
When conducting fire equipment inspections in rental housing such as apartments, it is necessary to notify residents in advance.
The reason for advance notification is that the inspection requires the presence of residents.
Items on the inspection checklist, such as fire alarms and evacuation ladders, are installed in private areas, so entry is not permitted without resident consent even in rental housing.
Inspections basically require the resident to be present, but if a resident is away, the inspection is conducted in the presence of the landlord or management company.
Residents are not obligated to be present, and fire equipment inspections are only a best-effort requirement for residents, so it is entirely possible they may be away.
In that case, inform residents in advance that the landlord or management company will be present on the day of the inspection.
It is important to communicate this ahead of time to prevent any disputes from arising.
There are various ways to give notice, such as placing a document titled "Notice of Fire Equipment Inspection" in mailboxes or posting an announcement on the bulletin board.
On the day of the inspection, tests are also conducted to verify that fire alarms and emergency warning systems are functioning normally.
Since the alarms sound just as they would in an actual fire, some residents may mistake it for a real fire.
To prevent situations like this, it is necessary to notify all residents of the apartment in advance.
Always Maintain an Environment Ready for Evacuation
While the twice-yearly fire equipment inspections are indispensable, maintaining an environment that allows for evacuation at any time also helps you to be prepared for emergencies.
If objects are placed around evacuation equipment or along evacuation routes, there is a risk of delayed escape in the event of a fire.
Encourage residents to keep evacuation routes clear so they can respond calmly and smoothly even if a fire does break out.
Summary
This article introduced the role and necessity of fire alarms in rental apartments, as well as key installation points.
Made mandatory in all buildings since 2006, fire alarms are equipment designed to protect our lives from fire.
Even with daily precautions, fires can break out suddenly due to disasters, accidents, or arson.
In such situations, having a fire alarm installed enables early evacuation, helping to minimize damage.
Landlords managing rental apartments are also obligated to inspect fire equipment, so make sure not to neglect your management responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fire Alarms in Rental Apartments
Q1. Is fire alarm installation required?
Since 2006, fire alarm installation has been required in all homes. The installation locations are specified by each municipality's ordinances.
Q2. When should a fire alarm be replaced?
The lifespan of a fire alarm is approximately 10 years. Check the installation date and replacement deadline printed on the unit, and replace it at the appropriate time.
Q3. Should I choose a smoke-sensing or heat-sensing type?
Smoke-sensing types are recommended for bedrooms and hallways, while heat-sensing types are recommended for kitchens. Use the appropriate type for each location to avoid false activations from cooking smoke.
