fire places

[James Petry]

Question for landlords or anyone with experience on this on. My new rental has a fireplace. I would assume that it should be blocked off with some type of decorative tile or something of that nature. Sticking with the theory of making thins simple and fool proof......any one have thoughts or suggestions

[Timmi Ryerson]

My properties have all had fireplaces and were not blocked off.  I kept them because I could get more rent from a unit with a fireplace.  But you do have to put some language in your lease  agreement or lease addendum that deals specifically with issues that will come up for the fireplace.  

First of all, consider what type of fireplace it is.  If it is built from scratch with a full fire box, then most types of wood can be burned.  Please note that softer woods cause more creosote to build up in the chimney.  If this is a "store bought" fire place (not a wood stove) then usually only processed presto logs are appropriate because they burn at a constant speed and keep the heat down.  It is important to have a document which spells out the type of wood to burn which is signed so that there can be no misunderstandings.  Under no circumstances should the tenant ever burn scrap lumber in a fireplace. It will damage the firebox and the chimney as it burns hot and fast.  There can also be chemicals in the treated lumber that are harmful to the environment.

Invest in a good screen or built in door system.  That way the screen cannot be taken off or removed and even lost.  Put language in your lease about use of the screen for all fires.

I always made it the tenant's responsibility to have the chimney cleaned at least once per year for the built in fireplaces and twice per year for the store bought types as they have smaller chimney piping.  They were required to provide proof in the form of a receipt by a certain date or I would order the cleaning and bill them.  

Finally at move out, the chimney was required to be clean and the firebox as well.  Fireplaces can add to the value of your rental if they are well maintained and managed.