Hot tubs and fireplaces

[Nadir M.]

Hi everyone, 

I’m currently in the process of managing a property and have some questions regarding the do’s and dont’s about fireplaces and hot tubs. I personally don’t like either  and don’t trust all tenants to use appropriately. What are other PM’s opinions on how manage hot tubs and fireplaces? Forbid them or leave instructions for them? 

Thank you 

[Greg Scott]

If you talk with your insurance carrier, they may help make the decision for you.

We would never allow hot tubs. 

Regarding fire places, our friends that have older apartments with fire places are often filling the fireplace gap with electric LED "virtual fireplaces".  They are much safer, less error prone, cleaner, and aesthetically pleasing.

[Alecia Loveless]

@Nadir M. My insurance won’t allow either. I board up or brick in fireplaces and tampering with this would be grounds for eviction.

[Theresa Harris]

Can't comment on hot tubs as those are a no go for me.  For fireplaces, I took one out in one home as the seller didn't think it was WETT certified; the other we knew was so we left it with explicit instructions.

[Colleen F.]

@Nadir M. Unless you have a STR forgo the hottub. I don't think I would trust a renter with a fireplace but I have been in mountain cabins where they have them. We did have a propane fireplace in one rental. I don't have a problem with that because it was similar to a furnace, set the temperature.

[Alec Barnes]

Hello Nadir,

Before I begin management of a property that has a hot tub, I instruct the homeowner to remove it or I will be unable to manage. They are not worth the trouble. I allow for tenants to use gas fireplaces, but do not permit tenants to use any wood burning fireplaces.

[Nadir M.]

Quote from @Alec Barnes:

Hello Nadir,

Before I begin management of a property that has a hot tub, I instruct the homeowner to remove it or I will be unable to manage. They are not worth the trouble. I allow for tenants to use gas fireplaces, but do not permit tenants to use any wood burning fireplaces.

The hottub has been decommissioned. The wood fireplace will be for show only. So both will not be used and will be stated in the lease. 

[Colleen F.]

@Nadir M. Block off the fireplace so they can't use it. I actually converted the usable ones to propane and secured a board blocking the chimney in the ones that will never be chimney safe.