Chimney sweep

Chimney sweep (in Bavaria: master chimney sweep or district chimney sweep) is the state-certified professional responsible for inspecting, cleaning, and certifying fireplaces, chimneys, and exhaust systems in buildings. This service is mandatory for all property owners who operate heating systems, fireplaces, tiled stoves, or other room-air-dependent fireplaces. In Bavaria, they are traditionally known as “chimney sweeps” - nationwide, “chimney sweep” is also commonly used.

Legal Requirements and Cleaning Intervals

The Chimney Sweep Trade Act (SchfHwG) and the cleaning and inspection regulations of the respective federal states stipulate how often fireplaces must be cleaned and inspected. The frequency depends on the type of fireplace and the degree of use:

• Wood-burning fireplaces and tiled stoves: generally swept two to four times a year, depending on the degree of use
• Oil-fired boilers: annual inspection and measurement of exhaust gas values in accordance with the 1st Federal Immission Control Ordinance (1. BImSchV)
• Gas-fired boilers: exhaust gas measurement (carbon monoxide test) every two years, annual fireplace inspection by the authorized district chimney sweep
• Fireplace inspection: every three to five years by the authorized district chimney sweep; he inspects all fireplaces in the building and issues the fireplace inspection certificate

The authorized district master chimney sweep is responsible for the mandatory tasks; since 2013, owners have also been able to hire other chimney sweep companies for optional services such as cleaning and exhaust gas testing.

Important Inspection Requirements When Selling Real Estate

When buying or selling a property with a fireplace, the chimney sweep’s current cleaning certificate and fireplace inspection report are essential. If a required fireplace inspection is missing or if there are outstanding defects, this can delay the closing of the purchase agreement or lead to renegotiations. As a buyer, you should request the most recent chimney sweep report and verify that all fireplaces have been properly inspected and approved.

Unregulated exhaust systems pose a serious safety risk (carbon monoxide poisoning) and can lead to issues with building insurance. Any outstanding requirements from the chimney sweep to rectify defects-dating back to previous years and not yet addressed-are transferred to the new owner after the purchase-a risk that should be eliminated through due diligence before the sale is finalized.

Role in Energy Consulting and Heating System Modernization

The district chimney sweep serves not only as an inspector but also as a consultant. As part of the fireplace inspection, they verify whether a heating system still meets current efficiency and emission standards. For outdated systems that no longer comply with the permissible exhaust gas values under the 1st Federal Immission Control Ordinance (1. BImSchV), they may set deadlines for replacement.

This applies in particular to older oil-fired heating systems and boilers, which may already be subject to a modernization requirement under the Building Energy Act (GEG). Starting in 2026, the ban on installing new oil and gas heating systems in existing buildings will be phased in; the chimney sweep can tell you specifically when your existing system requires action.

Operating Costs: Chimney Sweeping as a Pass-Through Expense

Relevant for landlords: The costs for chimney sweeping, exhaust gas measurements, and inspections by the chimney sweep are pass-through expenses (Section 12 of the Operating Costs Ordinance). This is contingent upon the pass-through being agreed upon in the lease agreement. The costs for mandatory services provided by the district master chimney sweep are therefore not hidden owner costs but are passed on to the tenants on a pro-rata basis. These costs are billed as part of the annual operating cost statement.

Practical Tip for Property Owners in Nuremberg and Franconia

In Nuremberg and the Franconia metropolitan region, the respective district chimney sweep is registered in the sweeping district and is legally obligated to perform the mandatory tasks. Property owners can find their district chimney sweep through the Bavarian Chimney Sweep Guild or the relevant district office.

We recommend: Before handing over or taking over a property with a fireplace or oil heating system, always request the current fireplace inspection certificate and clarify any outstanding defects before signing the contract. For older Nuremberg buildings with tiled stoves or single-room fireplaces, it is also necessary to check whether these fireplaces may still be operated or must be decommissioned for safety reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

As a tenant, am I required to allow the chimney sweep access?

Yes. As a tenant, you are legally obligated to grant the chimney sweep access to the apartment if they announce a mandatory visit. The costs of mandatory services are generally borne by the landlord; they may be passed on to the tenant as operating costs.

How much does a chimney sweep visit cost?

For mandatory services (sweeping, fireplace inspection), fees regulated nationwide apply in accordance with the Sweeping and Inspection Regulations. The amount depends on the type and number of fireplaces as well as the scope of the work. Optional services (e.g., additional cleanings) are freely negotiated and can therefore be compared in terms of price.

How do I find my local district chimney sweep in Nuremberg?

The chimney sweep responsible is the one for the specific cleaning district to which your property is assigned. The district boundaries for Nuremberg and the surrounding area can be viewed at the District Office or the relevant Chamber of Crafts. Alternatively, you can use the nationwide chimney sweep search at schornsteinfeger.de.

What happens if I miss a chimney sweep appointment?

For mandatory services, the district chimney sweep may involve the relevant authority after repeated unsuccessful attempts to gain access. In extreme cases, a ban on using the fireplace may be imposed. Missed appointments for mandatory services should therefore be rescheduled as soon as possible.

What role does the fireplace inspection report play in real estate sales?

The fireplace inspection report documents the inspected condition of all fireplaces in a building and, if applicable, includes requirements to remedy defects that the owner must address within a set deadline. When selling real estate in the Nuremberg metropolitan area, we recommend always having this certificate on hand as part of the sales documentation. If there are still outstanding requirements to remedy defects, these should either be addressed before the notary appointment or transparently communicated with a corresponding reduction in the purchase price. A missing or outdated fireplace inspection certificate can lead to renegotiations during the buyer’s due diligence phase. For properties with multiple fireplaces-as is common in older Nuremberg buildings with tiled stoves in several rooms-up-to-date documentation is particularly important, as the cost of a complete re-evaluation can be significant and the usability of the fireplaces directly affects the property’s value.

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