Fireplace Dos and Don’ts in Rented Properties: A Complete Guide

Many people want to enjoy the warmth and cosiness that a fireplace provides in their homes. A fireplace not only warms the room but creates a more inviting living area while adding a stylish touch.

But can you use fireplaces in rental properties? It’s a good question, and the answer will depend on several factors.

We’ve put together a detailed guide to help you, covering the key considerations for tenants as well as the most important dos and don’ts for both tenants and landlords.

Read on to find out all you need to know about fireplaces in rented properties.

Key Considerations for Tenants

Firstly, let’s look at some of the most important factors you will need to consider in regard to fireplaces in your rented property.

Type of Property

The type of property you are renting will have a big impact on the feasibility of having a fireplace.

A large house has a lot more space, while a small apartment will make installing a fireplace more difficult. It’s not impossible, but it will mean that you are limited by the type of fireplace you can use.

Whether the Property Already Has a Fireplace

If your property already has a fireplace, you may not automatically be able to use it, and this will depend on the landlord’s rules.

It may be too old to use, and a traditional wood fireplace with a chimney may need some maintenance before it is used.

Installing a new open fireplace or wood-burning stove is a big task, and many landlords won’t be happy with you installing a new fireplace in the property.

The Type of Fireplace You Want

Some fireplaces are much easier to install and use than others. For example, a wood-burning stove with a chimney involves a lot more work than installing a small bioethanol or electric fireplace, which often requires minimal or no installation.

If you want a fireplace that involves constructing a chimney or flue, you may not get permission, but a simple fireplace will be a lot more feasible. 

Tenancy Agreement

Always check the tenancy agreement because there may be specifics related to modifications in the property and issues like using fireplaces.

Regulations

There may also be regulations to consider in your local area, and these may limit your options to install or use a fireplace, especially when it comes to the type of fuel you use.

Relationship with Landlord

A lot will depend on your relationship with the landlord and how well you get on with them and know them.

If you are on good terms with them, it’s always worth discussing your ideas. They may be happy for you to install a fireplace as long as you pay for it, or as long as it is smokeless like a bioethanol fireplace and doesn’t require permission from the council as some woodburners do.

Fireplace Dos and Don’ts for Tenants

With these key considerations in mind, let’s take a look at the major dos and don’ts that tenants need to keep in mind.

Do Choose a Fireplace that’s Easy to Install

If you’re desperate to have a fireplace, you can improve the chances that your landlord will allow you to install one by choosing a suitable fireplace.

Rather than installing an open fireplace in your rental property, you may be more likely to convince your landlord with a fireplace that’s easy to install.

Many electric fireplaces can simply be plugged in, and bioethanol fireplaces require very little work to install. You can simply attach them to the wall, or you could choose a freestanding model. There is no need for a flue or chimney, and you can still enjoy a real flame and warmth.

Do Choose a Fireplace that’s Safe to Use

The same goes for safety issues. Your landlord will probably be far more likely to allow you to use a fireplace if it is safe. 

If you want to use a log burner in a rented property, this may be trickier. Wood-burning fires are more problematic due to the risk of sparks flying out or burning logs rolling off.

Gas fireplaces have their own risks, and require the landlord to arrange safety inspections each year. Again, electric and bioethanol fireplaces are typically your best option.

Do Use a Professional Installation Service

If you are given the all-clear to install a fireplace, make sure you use a professional service. This is especially important for gas or wood fireplaces. The alternative is to opt for a bioethaol fireplace, many of which do not require installation.

Do Carry Out Regular Inspections

Using your fireplace safely requires carrying out regular inspections. This could involve performing a simple inspection yourself on a regular basis for your electric or bioethanol fireplace.

Safety checks on wood burners for rental properties are also important, and you may need to get a professional to check the fireplace and chimney once a year.

It’s especially important to carry out an inspection before using a fireplace for the first time. If there is already a fireplace in the property, it may not have been used in many months or years, so make sure you get the fireplace and chimney inspected.

Gas fireplaces, like all gas appliances, should be checked by a Gas Safe registered professional on an annual basis. This is usually the responsibility of your landlord.

Do Use the Fireplace with Care

You should always use a fireplace carefully, but this is even more important in a rental property where the property is not your own.

Follow all the standard safety tips, which will vary depending on the fireplace you use. These involve using a fireplace screen, turning the gas off when it’s not in use, and not leaving flammable objects too close to the fire.

Don’t Cause Any Damage to the Property

Be especially careful about causing damage to the property, especially during any installation work.

Even when installing a relatively simple bioethanol fireplace, you may still need to drill into the wall. Make sure you do this carefully and in a suitable place where you won’t cause any unnecessary damage to the property, which your landlord might need to pay for using your deposit when you leave.

Don't Do Anything Without Clearing It with Your Landlord First

Whatever you end up doing, whichever type of fireplace you install, never do anything without asking your landlord.

They will not be happy if they find out you are using a fireplace without checking with them first, so make sure you get the all-clear from them.

Fireplace Dos and Don'ts for Landlords

There are also a few dos and don’ts that landlords need to keep in mind. Here are the most important.

Do Provide Clear Instructions for Existing Fireplaces

If you already have a fireplace in the property, make sure you provide detailed instructions about how to use it, whatever type of fireplace it is, so your tenant can use it safely.

Do Carry Out Professional Installation and Regular Maintenance

This will be especially important for gas fireplaces. Make sure you hire a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out an annual check of all gas appliances, including fireplaces. Replace old fireplaces if necessary to avoid safety issues.

Inspect the chimney if your property has an open fireplace, and always ensure it is safe to use.

Do Ensure Suitable Ventilation

For gas or wood fireplaces, ventilation is essential. Ensure there is adequate ventilation so your tenants can use the fireplace safely.

Do Make Sure Your Insurance Covers Fireplace Usage

Make sure your insurance covers fireplace usage, especially if you have an open fireplace.

Some insurers may not provide this option, while some may simply insist on regular maintenance.

Don’t Ignore Fire Safety Regulations

Whether your property has a fireplace or not, you will need to consider fire safety regulations. But it is even more important where the property has a fireplace.

Know your responsibilities when it comes to installing carbon monoxide detectors, smoke alarms, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, furniture and furnishings, fire escapes and more.

Don’t Ignore Your Tenant’s Requests

Don’t dismiss your tenant’s requests or ignore them without first considering them carefully. You want to keep them happy, after all, and even if you don’t like the idea of them using a fireplace, you should still consider the options.

If they want a wood fireplace, suggest an alternative like a bioethanol fireplace and show that you care about their comfort.

Wrapping Up

Fireplaces are popular in many properties, and if you are renting a property, you may want to enjoy all the benefits that a fireplace provides.

But when it comes to fireplaces in rental properties, always take into account the information in this guide.

It’s not always easy to get a fireplace installed, so discuss it with your landlord. If they are not keen, don’t forget to suggest alternative options like a bioethanol fireplace, because they may be more open to this than installing a wood or gas fireplace.