Rental Property with Stove: Tenant or Owner?

Tenant vs. Owner Responsibility

Tenant Responsibility

• Daily and periodic maintenance: removing ash, cleaning glass and fire basket, keeping the stove clean.

• Arranging the annual chimney sweep and keeping the sweeping certificate.

• Burning correctly with suitable fuel to prevent extra pollution or damage.

• Minor repairs resulting from normal use, like a worn door cord or a dirty seal.

• Reporting malfunctions to the landlord as soon as they occur to prevent small issues from becoming major damage.

Rule of thumb: what is used and cleaned daily is for the tenant; what is attached to the building and determines safety is for the owner.

Owner/Landlord Responsibility

• A safe and compliant installation of the stove at the start of the rental.

• The condition of the chimney and flue, including structural repairs.

• Major repairs and replacements due to age or wear of the appliance.

• Defects affecting safety or habitability, like a leaking or unsafe flue.

• A correct property description and, where appropriate, an inspection of the stove and chimney at the start.

Situations Where the Division Differs

1. The stove breaks down due to normal aging: this is usually a burden for the landlord, who must repair or replace the appliance.

2. Damage occurs due to incorrect burning or poor maintenance: the tenant may be liable for the repair or consequential damage.

3. The chimney is blocked or dirty after a heating season: sweeping is the tenant's responsibility, but a structural defect in the flue remains with the owner.

4. The tenant wants to add a stove: this is only allowed with written permission from the owner, as it affects the structure and fire safety.

5. The stove was already in the property upon moving in: the property description serves as a starting point to determine what is normal wear and what the tenant has caused.

Checklist for Tenant and Landlord

• Does the rental contract specify who arranges and pays for the annual sweeping and maintenance?

• Was a property description with the condition of the stove and chimney made at the start?

• Does the tenant carefully keep each cleaning certificate or sweeping proof?

• Do you know who the insurer contacts in case of damage and what proof they require?

• Was the stove inspected for safe operation upon moving in?

Why the Cleaning Certificate Matters for Both Parties

The cleaning certificate is the key document that concretely defines responsibility and protects both parties. Where agreements may sometimes remain verbal and vague, this document provides a dateable and verifiable proof of the maintenance performed. After each sweep, this document proves that maintenance was carried out timely and correctly, which the tenant needs to show they fulfilled their duty. For the landlord, it is a guarantee that the installation remains maintained and the property's value is protected. Especially in the event of a chimney fire, this paper is crucial: many insurers require the certificate before paying out, and without proof, part of the damage may remain at your own expense. Therefore, keep the certificate with the rental contract, so you have it on hand in case of damage. More explanation can be found in our article about what a cleaning certificate exactly entails, and about its role in coverage, read what the insurance says about maintenance.

Difference Between Belgium and the Netherlands

The main line is the same in both countries, but the legal frameworks and terms used differ. In Flanders, the rental decree assigns minor repairs and regular maintenance to the tenant, while major and structural works fall to the landlord; chimney sweeping is the tenant's responsibility. How often sweeping must occur and whether it is mandatory varies by municipality, as you can read in our overview on whether chimney sweeping is mandatory in Belgium. In the Netherlands, the Decree on Minor Repairs generally assigns chimney sweeping to the tenant, while structural defects in the flue remain with the landlord. It also applies that agreements in the rental contract and the landlord's policy determine the exact implementation. Whatever applies, the municipality, region, appliance manual, and your insurer are always the binding sources; therefore, always record the agreements made about maintenance and sweeping in writing, so there is no doubt later about stove maintenance in a rental property. For a property you rent or lease, our article provides a practical overview of who arranges which maintenance.

If you are unsure about the condition of the stove or chimney in your rental property, have the installation inspected and cleaned with a valid certificate. Request a quote or advice without obligation and you'll know exactly where you stand.