September is the point at which many Edinburgh landlords prepare rental properties for the autumn and winter letting season. Before tenants light an open fire, wood burner or multi-fuel stove, the chimney, flue and appliance should be assessed, maintained and properly documented.
For landlords searching for a chimney inspection near me or chimney specialists near me, Chimney Fix Services provides a complete Under One Roof service across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian. We support individual landlords, letting professionals and property owners managing multiple homes.
Chimney Fix Services is a family-run business and a division of Roof Fix Services Limited. We are NACS certified and provide a NACS certificate for every sweep.
Scottish landlord duties for chimneys, flues and appliances
Under the Scottish Repairing Standard, a privately rented property must be safe, properly maintained and fit for occupation at the start of, and throughout, a tenancy.
This includes landlord-supplied:
- Open fires and solid-fuel appliances
- Wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves
- Gas appliances and associated flues
- Oil appliances and associated flues
- Chimneys, liners, terminals and ventilation provisions
A landlord must take reasonable steps to ensure that appliances, flues and chimneys are in a safe condition and proper working order. A blocked, defective or deteriorating chimney can create risks from fire, smoke spillage and carbon monoxide.
Gas appliances and gas flues also require the appropriate annual gas safety check by a suitably qualified gas professional. A chimney sweep certificate does not replace a gas safety record.
The Scottish Government also requires satisfactory provision for detecting carbon monoxide where a dwelling contains a fixed combustion appliance, excluding appliances used solely for cooking. CO alarms must be correctly positioned, maintained and replaced before the end of their working life. The alarm is an essential safety measure, but it is not a substitute for proper appliance, flue and chimney maintenance.
Landlords should retain:
- The NACS certificate of chimney sweeping
- Any CCTV inspection report or photographs
- Appliance service documentation
- Records of identified defects and completed remedial work
- Carbon monoxide alarm installation and replacement records
For official guidance, landlords can consult the Scottish Government carbon monoxide guidance and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chimney advice.
Why an Annual Chimney Sweep should be booked before winter
An Annual Chimney Sweep is the most important routine maintenance task for a rented property with a working chimney or solid-fuel appliance.
Sweeping removes soot, tar, creosote and other deposits that can restrict the flue or ignite. It also provides an opportunity to identify signs of damage, unsafe terminals, nesting material, poor draw, smoke leakage or other issues requiring further assessment.
As a general guide:
- Smokeless fuel: at least annually
- Gas or oil appliances with a chimney or flue: typically annually, subject to the appliance and manufacturer’s requirements
- House coal: at least twice each year
- Wood-burning appliances: quarterly when in use
- Mixed-fuel appliances: follow the highest applicable frequency
The correct interval depends on the appliance, fuel, frequency of use and condition of the flue. The next recommended sweep date can be recorded on the NACS certificate.
A standard Annual Chimney Sweep starts from £85 + VAT. Each sweep is completed in accordance with NACS standards, with appropriate floor protection and a written certificate for your compliance records.
Inspection and CCTV checks for rental properties
Sweeping removes deposits, but it does not always establish the full condition of a chimney. A visual inspection and, where necessary, a CCTV check may be recommended for:
- A new landlord or newly acquired property
- A property with no reliable maintenance history
- A chimney that has been unused for an extended period
- A change of appliance or fuel type
- Smoke spillage, poor draw or unexplained odours
- Suspected liner damage or hidden obstruction
- Older period properties with traditional masonry flues
- A property where a tenant has reported a fault
For first-time owners or landlords moving into a new property-management arrangement, an additional CCTV check is required at a cost from £40 + VAT, on top of the standard sweep price.
A CCTV inspection can help assess the internal flue route and identify defects that cannot be confirmed from the fireplace or chimney pot alone. It is particularly valuable in traditional Edinburgh properties where the chimney may have been altered, relined or connected to more than one historic fireplace.
Core landlord chimney services
Annual Chimney Sweep
Prices from £85 + VAT for a standard single-appliance sweep. This includes professional sweeping, a clean working area, basic visual checks and a NACS certificate.
For landlords managing several properties, scheduling annual visits together can simplify record keeping and reduce the risk of certificates being missed during the busy letting season.
Open Fire maintenance
Prices from £85 + VAT for a standard chimney maintenance visit. Open Fire maintenance may include sweeping, smoke evacuation checks and an assessment of the fire opening, hearth, chimney pot and visible flue arrangements.
Where repairs or specialist building work are required, a clear recommendation and quotation will be provided before work proceeds.
Log/Wood burner servicing
Prices from £85 + VAT for a standard maintenance visit, subject to appliance access and condition. Log/Wood burner servicing should consider the flue, connecting pipe, door seals, baffle, firebricks, air controls and signs of tar or excessive deposits.
We are familiar with premium stove installations, including Aga, Charnwood and Clearview appliances. Chimney Fix Services is not HETAS registered, but we work exclusively with a HETAS-approved installer for installation and complex stove hardware work. This allows landlords to access a complete Under One Roof service while keeping sweeping and maintenance aligned with NACS standards.
Multi-fuel stove care
Prices from £85 + VAT for a standard maintenance visit. Multi-fuel stove care should reflect the fuel being burned and the manufacturer’s instructions. Burning unsuitable fuel or operating the appliance incorrectly can increase deposits and shorten the service interval.
If a stove inspection fails, the appliance should not be used until the identified safety issue has been addressed. We will explain the defect and, where the work is outside our specialist scope, recommend another trusted professional without naming or promoting specific businesses.
Heritage craftsmanship for Edinburgh and the Lothians
Many rental properties in EH9, EH10 and EH13 contain traditional fireplaces, sandstone chimney stacks and older flue arrangements. Period homes in North Berwick, Gullane and other prime East Lothian locations may also require a conservation-led approach.
Our priority is to preserve architectural integrity while improving safety and serviceability. For sandstone chimney stacks and traditional lime mortar pointing, we use compatible heritage methods. Cement is never used for traditional lime mortar pointing.
Where roof-level repairs are required, we specify quality materials such as Code 4 or Code 5 lead rather than inferior short-term alternatives such as flashband or bitu-mastic. Proper detailing protects the property from water ingress and supports long-term value.
For landlords, this is not simply a maintenance expense. Responsible chimney care is an investment in property value, tenant safety, insurance records and the preservation of the building itself.
Booking advice for September 2026
September to February is the peak season for chimney sweeping and stove maintenance. Availability becomes more limited as colder weather arrives and tenants begin using their appliances.
The ideal booking window is March to August, when landlords can generally secure appointments more easily and arrange repairs before the next heating season.
During the peak season, Chimney Fix Services does not offer free site visits. A standard call-out and CCTV assessment fee applies where an inspection or assessment is required before work can be specified.
Please do not book an online appointment if parking near the property is impossible. Safe access, equipment handling and the ability to work lawfully are essential. In central Edinburgh, parking restrictions and charges in EH1–EH3 may apply and should be confirmed before booking.
Chimney Fix Services does not serve tenement properties in the EH1, EH2 or EH3 postcodes.
Our Under One Roof model is designed to make property management simpler: sweeping, inspection, maintenance, chimney repairs and access to a HETAS-approved installation partner can be coordinated through one experienced team.
Chimney Fix Services has more than 70 five-star Google reviews and over 350 Edinburgh Trusted Trader reviews, reflecting our focus on reliable, professional service across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian.
Frequently asked questions
How often must a rental-property chimney be swept?
An Annual Chimney Sweep is the recommended minimum for many appliances and is an important part of a landlord’s maintenance records. Wood should generally be swept quarterly when in use, while house coal commonly requires sweeping at least twice each year. The correct interval depends on the fuel, appliance, usage and professional assessment.
Is there a charge for a missed appointment?
A missed appointment charge may apply under the booking terms, particularly where access is unavailable or the property is not ready. Landlords should ensure that tenants receive adequate notice and that someone can provide access at the agreed time.
Do parking restrictions apply in EH1–EH3?
Yes. Parking charges, controlled zones, loading restrictions and access limitations may apply, particularly in central Edinburgh. Please confirm parking before booking. Do not book online if parking near the property is impossible.
Do you serve tenement properties in EH1, EH2 or EH3?
No. Chimney Fix Services does not serve tenement properties in the EH1, EH2 or EH3 postcodes. We do serve suitable detached and period properties across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian, subject to access and the nature of the work.
What happens if a stove inspection fails?
The appliance should not be used until the safety issue has been resolved. We will provide a clear explanation of the finding and advise on the next step. Where a job is not a 100% fit for our expertise, we will recommend another trusted professional.
Can you remove birds’ nests?
Yes, subject to access, wildlife considerations and the condition of the chimney. Birds’ nest removal starts from £150 + VAT, plus £50 per additional hour. A guide price for removal including the supply and fitting of a cowl or bird guard starts from £250 + VAT.
If a bird’s nest is discovered during an online-booked chimney sweep and cannot be removed during that appointment slot, the full Annual Chimney Sweep booking fee is still charged. A further appointment may then be required.
Read more about chimney sweeping in Edinburgh or explore the wider chimney sweep service available from Chimney Fix Services, a division of Roof Fix Services Limited.
To book 24/7 with online prices & Diary, visit https://www.rfr.bz/f22ad3a or call 08007723259. Website: thechimneyfixservices.co.uk
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