Landlord and Fireplace

A landlord/owner recently asked me what I thought about a request from their tenant to clean the fireplace. They had used it quite a bit this winter and wanted to make sure that the creosote buildup would not be a problem. He also wanted to know why this would not be normal maintenance that an owner does periodically.

My answer to him was : yes I agree that the fireplace needs to be checked periodically after use. But since the tenant was using it and getting the benefit, they should pay the cost not the landlord. When they moved in they should have been given a clean fireplace. It should be done by a licensed contractor. This insures that you know it is cleaned properly and safe. Someone you know or someone who was referred to you by someone you trust. At the very least, get references. If they are not licensed and bonded, find another contractor.

NARPM member since 1996
Property manager since 1973