Keep chimney/fireplace or not? Have to decide today

[CJ M.]

Hey everyone,

I have to make a decision today on a rental property I'm working on.

There is a wood-burning fireplace in the living room (not sure if chimney is clean/clear). Anyway, the stack coming out of the roof if a big metal rusty mess that has been staining the shingles over the years. I have a new metal roof going on Monday.

My question, should I remove the stack and seal the flue and just make the fireplace decorative? Should I use some heat resistant paint and spray the stack so it doesn't drip rust on the new metal roof? I really don't want to replace the stack but will if needed...and barring my GC has time.

I'm leaning towards removing stack altogether. Thoughts? I'm thinking it might be better not to have a liability like a fireplace in a rental.

Thanks in advance.