I advertised my rental house but did not mention the fireplace because it's there but not useable it's cracked up the chimney and there was a chimney fire awhile back according to the chimney sweeper and would cost $$$$s. It is not mentioned in the lease but I did tell the tenants not to use it. They signed one-year lease..I told them that there were probably things that needed some attention but nothing major and that they would have to accept as is and they said fine. They agreed that all appliances were in good working order and they didn't say anything about an exhaust fan that was not hooked up and operable. The LandlordTenant Act code says that the landlord must make repairs to keep the unit in the same condition as when the tenant moved in except for normal wear and tear. Now they are asking for repairs on these items but should I make them. --98.249.xxx.xxx

I would not fix the fireplace but i would fix the exhaust fan, especially in Florida. --66.87.xx.xx

You may want to consider them signing an agreement not to use the fireplace: in a letter for them to sign state something like: Upon inspection and receipt of keys, landlord and tenant discussed inoperability of fireplace and landlord and tenant agree that the fireplace is not safe to use. Yes, fix the exhaust fan as soon as you can to create good will. If they seem stubborn on the fireplace or "forgot" that you said it is not to be used, you may have problems, but you can offer off hand to provide an electric type appliance for the fireplace that creates the look of fire - this will be less expensive probably than fixing the fire place! Just some suggestions. And I only do month to month leases so if I need to I can make up for this type oversight with a two week notice of change to tenancy. Good luck. --67.190.xxx.xx

It is good you are reading your tenant laws, be sure to follow them closely and make repairs before anyone in city or county finds out, especially a housing court clerk. Whatever needs repairing should be fixed before the unit is offered for rent - it is much more complex to move furniture to open walls if needed to do repair work and keep the dust down, kids and pets get curious and the next thing you know your tools have slipped down the hole or the dog with a kids shoe. Whatever verbal agreements you made will be useless in court if it gets there, for the fireplace you could have them sign an addendum - nothing else in the written agreement is changed. --76.188.xxx.xxx

Fix the fan and close off the fireplace, it is a known danger if used and if it is closed off they can't be tempted. Got to be safe and secure, but A signed addendum will be helpful as well, Why was there things not done prior to renting? --71.1.xx.xxx

--73.146.xxx.xxx