Wood burning fireplace- looking for advice

[Amanda G.]

My current rehab and rent project has a wood burning fireplace in the living room. I don't particularly want to brick it up because I expect I will sell the place in a few years. What advice do you have for leasing rules, maintenance, etc? I am most of the way through the project and realized that I haven't thought about this feature at all.

Thanks in advance.

[Thomas S.]

Close it up any way you choose and make it clear in your lease that the tennat is forbidden to use it. A recessed drywall closure is the simplest method.