The hole is only in the plastic covering over the metal screen, It's there to facilitate cleaning of the unit.

If the patio is not perfect, it's not all due to us.So, negotiations have been all over the map.

And lastly, you show pictures of the back yard and mention it's available for their use, but you don't have any photos of patio furniture, a BBQ or anything else.

You should use plastic scrapers/putty knives to scrape it off.-- Do not aim for perfection.

The lawn was dead, so we are doing a native Ca plant yard, with fence to set off a little patio area in front... 

When using the fireplace, Tenant agrees to:a.not leave burning materials unattended.b.keep all burnable objects at a safe distance from flame or surround.c.make appropriate use of fireplace damper and spark screen, so as not to allow smoke to flow into the room or sparks to fly out of the fireplace.d.use only seasoned firewood or manufactured logs in the fireplace.e.not burn paper, plastics or other materials.f.keep fireplace clean of ashes.g.dispose of ashes in a safe manner by waiting until ashes completely cool and by placing them in a metal container prior to disposal.

Spreading quickly.But replacing oil going into plastics will take longer...

Put it on your deck and keep patio cushions in it.  

We had an old upper unit with electric heat that had a completely exposed open patio underneath the entire somewhat insulated floor.

You can have plastic or metal channels on the wall surface in older houses but not just something that looks like electric cord outside the wall.