Chimneys in Rental Properties

Chimneys are the main ventilation outlet for harmful byproducts of combustion from fireplaces and heating appliances in the home, so it is vitally important that they are well-maintained.

In accordance with Section 11 of The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords in the UK must ensure the property is safe, well-maintained, and fit for human habitation. This includes maintaining the heating system and chimneys, ensuring that they are in a safe and efficient condition.

The landlord’s responsibilities are:

To ensure that chimneys are swept and unobstructed at the start of a tenancy. Tenants are then responsible for keeping the chimney maintained once the tenancy has started, although this depends on the specific tenancy agreement, as some managing agents and landlords will continue to maintain the chimneys throughout, so whatever the arrangement is in the tenancy agreement does need to be clear for all parties on check-in, to avoid disputes or legal complications.

If, however, the tenant is misusing the chimney, causing excessive soot or creosote build-up, they may be responsible for the cleaning, which should only be conducted by a professional. Professional chimney sweeps are trained to identify potential hazards and address them properly.

Some areas have local building codes and regulations with specific requirements on chimney compliance, therefore, the sole obligation may be on landlords, making it non-negotiable.

• Maintenance

To arrange regular chimney sweeping and maintenance to prevent hazards like fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. 

• Fire safety

To follow fire safety regulations and ensure that the property is free from health and safety hazards. 

What certificates are required? 

If the rental property has a solid fuel burning appliance, such as a wood burning stove, log burner, or working fireplace, the landlord needs a HETAS (Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme) certificate from a qualified engineer. 

How often should a chimney be swept? 

• HETAS recommend having chimneys swept at least twice a year if using wood or bituminous house coal, and once per year if burning smokeless fuels. 
• If the chimney is frequently used, more frequent sweeping may be needed.
• If heating modifications have been made, such as changing the appliance, or type of fuel used

Who are HETAS?

HETAS is a non-profit organisation that certifies that work is conducted legally, meeting building regulations and notifies the Local Authority Building Control Department (LABC) of the work undertaken. HETAS provides training for the safe and environmentally responsible use of solid fuels and registers competent retailers, installers, servicing engineers, and chimney sweeps, therefore, an installer registered by HETAS has passed rigorous assessment of their work.

HETAS certificates are needed when buying and selling or renting out a property. Failure to produce a HETAS certificate can invalidate home insurance.

What if chimneys are not swept?

When chimneys are not regularly swept, they accumulate soot, debris, and creosote over time. Build-up can lead to danger and hazards. Soot is a powdery, black substance from the incomplete combustion of carbon-rich materials, such as wood. Soot build-up reduces the efficiency of the chimney and can obstruct the passage of smoke and gases, which leads to potential backdrafts and indoor quality issues.

Debris, such as leaves, twigs, and animal nests can also collect in chimneys. These obstructions not only restrict ventilation but also increase the risk of fire hazards.

Creosote accumulation is highly flammable, sticky substance produced when wood is burned. It can accumulate on the chimney walls, especially in cooler areas. When creosote ignites, it can lead to a chimney fire, which can burn intensely and spread to other parts of the house, resulting in extensive damage, incurring costly repairs, and endangering lives. Chimney fires often burn undetected within the chimney structure – even if a chimney fire remains contained, the elevated temperatures can cause cracks in the flue lining, compromising its structural integrity and posing further fire risks.

Who is responsible for shared chimneys? 

If the chimney stack is built on the boundary, it is usually considered a shared structure. Both homeowners are equally responsible for its maintenance and repair. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning

Exposure to carbon monoxide can lead to serious health consequences, ranging from headaches, dizziness, and nausea to more serious effects, such as loss of consciousness and even death. Dubbed “the silent killer,” it is a colourless, odourless, and tasteless gas produced during the combustion process and prolonged exposure can be fatal. Carbon monoxide is usually vented out of the house through the chimney, but if the chimney is obstructed or blocked, this toxic gas can flow back into the living space.

How KPR software can help keep property agents and landlords compliant

KPR property software goes way beyond midterms and inventory reporting. Our automated scheduling and reminders for expiry dates and certificate renewals ensure nothing is overlooked, so FFHH standards remain high.

More agents are investing in property habitation software that can save time and money and provide confidence that properties are fully FFHH covered – a small investment for an invaluable return.

KPR provides habitation software to ensure peace of mind and help towards the smooth running of a letting agent’s portfolio, which includes:

• Professionally presented information sheets bearing your company branding offers tenants the tools to ensure that their upkeep of the property is sufficient.
• Automated scheduling and reminders, such as certificate expiration dates, and testing of smoke detectors and CO monitors, ensuring every detail is covered.
• Offers tenants the ability to conduct their own Midterm report, saving agents’ time and minimising visits.
• Secure storage for date and time-stamped documentation and certificates.
• Simple communication between agent and tenant, all in one place.
• Our automation software with reminders ensures that you stay compliant, so you never miss a deadline, and certificate renewals will never be overlooked.
• Our software features a portal with exclusive access to direct communication between tenant and the managing agent and swift repairs reporting using a unique QR code for their property.

At KPR we understand the demands of the industry and strive to address the issues agents and property owners face. We have our own in-house development team with knowledge of modem technology and methodologies, keeping KPR current, and always focusing on the next level.

If you would like to speak with us about how we can assist you and your business, feel free to speak with our helpful team today!

0208 542 2333

hello@kpr.global