Should Your Rental Property Have a Fireplace? 5 Benefits & Landlord Considerations

For landlords in Newport and Cardiff, every feature of a rental property is a consideration for its appeal, value, and ongoing management. While fireplaces might seem like a relic of the past, their growing rarity in modern builds is actually making them a highly desirable feature for tenants.

At RedKey, your local letting agents in South Wales, we frequently advise landlords on how to enhance their properties to maximise rental income and attract quality tenants. If you're wondering whether to invest in a fireplace installation, or if you should maintain the existing one in your Cardiff or Newport rental property, this article will share five key benefits and crucial landlord considerations to help you decide.

Why Fireplaces Can Boost Your Rental Property's Appeal & Value:

Even though they've been around for centuries, fireplaces are increasingly seen as a unique selling point in the competitive rental market in Newport and Cardiff. Here's why:

1. They Create a Stand-Out Statement & Luxury Feel: A fireplace often serves as the focal point of a living room, immediately adding character and a sense of luxury. Whether it's a traditional feature in a period property or a sleek, modern design, a well-maintained fireplace elevates the aesthetic of your rental home, making it more memorable and desirable to prospective tenants. This visual appeal can help your property stand out in online listings.

2. Potential for Energy Efficiency (and Lower Tenant Bills): While some fireplaces are purely decorative, a functional, modern fireplace (especially a gas or electric one) or an efficient wood burner can offer supplementary heating. For tenants, this means the potential to reduce their reliance on central heating, potentially saving them money on energy bills. For landlords, promoting energy-efficient features can enhance your rental property's EPC rating and overall attractiveness. However, landlords must ensure any solid fuel appliance is safely maintained and legally compliant.

3. They Foster a Cosy, Inviting Atmosphere (High Tenant Demand): More than just a heat source, a fireplace creates an unparalleled sense of warmth, comfort, and ambiance. This 'cosy' factor is a significant draw for many tenants, offering a desirable lifestyle element that makes a rental property feel more like a permanent home. This emotional connection can lead to longer tenancies and happier residents.

4. Increased Tenant Appeal & Potential Rental Value: A functional and aesthetically pleasing fireplace is a highly desirable feature for many renters, particularly in areas like Newport and Cardiff. It can truly make a property 'wow' prospective tenants and, in many cases, can justify a slightly higher rental price. Tenants are often willing to pay a premium for unique features that enhance their living experience, directly boosting your rental yield.

5. Emergency Comfort & Peace of Mind for Tenants: While prolonged power cuts are rare, the ability to generate heat and light during an unexpected outage offers significant peace of mind. For tenants, knowing they have an alternative source of warmth and light can be a reassuring comfort, adding another layer of desirability to your rental property.

Crucial Landlord Considerations & Responsibilities in Wales:

While the benefits are clear, landlords in Wales must be aware of their legal and practical responsibilities when a rental property has a fireplace:

• Chimney Sweeping & Maintenance: As a landlord, you are legally responsible for ensuring that chimneys and flues for any solid fuel burning appliance (like a wood-burning stove or open fire) are swept and unobstructed. This should be done annually, or more frequently if heavily used, by a qualified chimney sweep, and a certificate should be obtained for your records. This is vital for fire safety and preventing carbon monoxide build-up.

• Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms: It is a legal requirement in Wales to have a working carbon monoxide alarm in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance (e.g., a fireplace or wood burner). You must check it at the start of each tenancy and respond to any tenant reports of faults.

• Gas Safety Checks: If you have a gas fireplace, it must be included in your annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

• HETAS Certification: If you install a new solid fuel burning appliance, it must be installed by a HETAS-registered installer, and you'll need the relevant certificate for legal compliance and insurance purposes.

• Insurance Implications: Inform your landlord insurance provider if your property has a working fireplace, as this may affect your policy terms or require specific endorsements. Ensure you comply with all safety regulations to keep your policy valid.

• Cost of Installation & Maintenance: Installing a new fireplace can range from £600 for basic electric options to several thousand for a complex wood burner installation with flue work. Factor in regular sweeping and potential repair costs when considering your property investment.

• Tenant Education: Provide clear instructions to your tenants on the safe and proper use of the fireplace, including what fuels can be burned (if applicable) and the importance of ventilation.

Get Expert Property Advice for Your Cardiff & Newport Rental Strategy

Deciding whether a fireplace is the right addition to your rental property involves weighing up the aesthetic and appeal benefits against the ongoing landlord responsibilities and costs. A well-managed fireplace can certainly enhance your property's marketability and rental income.

At RedKey, we are your local letting and property management experts in Cardiff and Newport. We offer tailored advice on how to maximise your rental yield, enhance your property's appeal, and navigate all aspects of landlord compliance and renovations.

Contact us today for professional guidance on your rental strategy:

• Call us on: 02920 090690 or 03333447850

• Email us: hello@redkeylets.co.uk