Rental with Wood Burning Fireplace

[Jennifer Voegele]

I'm looking for my first rental property and many of the older homes in my area have wood burning fireplaces.  I really don't want the extra expense of cleaning/maintaining a fireplace, not to mention the potential fire hazard if someone uses it incorrectly.   I had ruled out these properties but keep finding good houses where the numbers work and the fireplace is the only drawback.  

Is it possible to somehow close up the fireplace or otherwise stop tenants from using it?   Could I just tell them it doesn't work and not to use it?   Any other options?