Skip to Content

Fireplace Safety Tips for Castro Valley Tenants

Warm and Cozy Fireplace in the Center of a Modern Living RoomA fireplace can be a good thing to add to any single-family rental home in Castro Valley. In any case, fireplaces also pose some unique risks to renters. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireplaces are the leading cause of home fires in the U.S., causing nearly 500 deaths and over $1 billion in property damage every year. To make the most of your fireplace and stay safe simultaneously, it is essential to follow a couple of fundamental fireplace safety rules.

The most common reason a fireplace causes a house fire is a direct result of creosote buildup or obstructions in the chimney. After some time, wood-burning fires make a thick layer of soot and ash, called creosote, on the inside of the chimney walls. If not properly cleaned, this material can ignite, causing significant damage to the property and threatening the safety of everyone in the home. Different issues, such as dead leaves, bird nests, or falling bricks, can block the airflow in the chimney and cause sparks to fly out into the room, possibly igniting rugs, nearby décor, or furniture. In the case of gas fireplaces, an obstructed chimney could cause dangerous fumes to vent into the home. Either circumstance is incredibly risky for you and the home’s other tenants assuming any.

To avoid these and other problems, there are several important steps that you should take. To begin with, use only the recommended types of fuel for your fireplace. For wood-burning fireplaces, that is dried and well-seasoned wood free of any chemicals or accelerants. For gas or electric fireplaces, never put anything in the flames. This can lead to showers of sparks and hot ash capable of starting the house on fire. Chimney fires can become as hot as 2000°F, hot enough to crack bricks, melt metal, and catch your attic, siding, and roof on fire. Correct use of your fireplace is one of the best ways to avoid such dangers.

Next, ensure that you supervise the use of your fireplace carefully. For both gas and wood fireplaces, never leave the fireplace lit unsupervised. It is imperative to keep an updated fire extinguisher nearby and to make sure that you regularly change the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. On the off chance that your fireplace has an operating manual, please keep it in an accessible location for easy reference. Keep away from the fireplace while lit, and be sure to oversee any pets to avoid burns and accidents.

Lastly, you should check with your property manager or landlord to see if the fireplace is being regularly inspected and cleaned. A quality property manager will have a fireplace serviced on a regular basis to guarantee that it is in good working condition and ventilating correctly. To remain safe, it is important to know that pilot lights, valves, and sensors are working correctly and that you know how to operate your fireplace correctly. If your landlord gives you materials on fire safety, read through them carefully before attempting to use your fireplace. For tenants, following legitimate fireplace safety is a significant aspect of keeping you and your belongings out of harm’s way.

Are you tired of doing it yourself? Why not call Real Property Management Masters? It doesn’t make any difference to us if you own one rental home or several; our goal is to protect and maximize your real estate investment. Backed by over 30 years of nationwide experience, our team of Castro Valley property managers is here to help rental home owners maximize rental income while minimizing expenses and inefficiencies. Contact us online or give us a call at 510-398-8704 today.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details