Fireplace maintenance in a rental property can occasionally spark confusion between parties. Thankfully, Tenancy Services NZ provides clear baseline definitions for winter upkeep duties.
The Landlord’s Core Obligations
Landlords are legally responsible for ensuring the property remains in a safe, habitable, and well-maintained condition. Because structural safety and fire prevention fall squarely under property maintenance, hiring a professional chimney sweep to inspect and clear the flue system annually is the landlord’s responsibility. Failing to do so can also void the landlord’s building insurance policy.
The Tenant’s Daily Duties
Tenants are required to keep the property clean and tidy on a day-to-day basis. For a fireplace, this means safely cleaning away cold ashes from the hearth and firebox floor. It also means operating the wood burner responsibly by only burning clean, dry firewood and avoiding the incineration of treated timber or household rubbish.