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Is there a chimney sweep obligation?
Yes, home and property owners in Germany are obliged to have their fireplaces regularly inspected by a chimney sweep — this applies to sweeping, checking, and measuring heating systems as well as inspecting the actual chimney.
What does a chimney sweep do?
Today, chimney sweeps keep an eye not only on the chimney but also on all heating, exhaust, and ventilation systems in a house. They check the safety, operability, and fire proofness of heating systems. Furthermore, they measure emissions of all kinds, and whether chimneys are working efficiently, and gas pipes are tight.
How often does the chimney sweep have to check?
There is no general answer to this question. The intervals depend on the type of heating system, normally one to three times a year.
Will I be notified prior to the chimney sweep?
Yes, usually they drop a note in your mailbox or notify your landlord. So, if you find a note in your mailbox with a date, do not just throw it away, but get with your landlord or make sure to be at home at the time and date specified. If you cannot make it, ensure to call the chimney sweep’s number to arrange for a new date to not miss the deadline.
Information
Should this happen, the office then sets a second deadline. Depending on the federal state, this failure to comply costs a fine of 40 to 100 euros. If the homeowner/tenant lets the second deadline pass, the authority will act itself and have the door opened. There is a reason for the authority’s power: for safety reasons, fireplaces and chimneys need regular maintenance. This extra service can cost several hundred euros – and that too for the homeowner.
Can I simply change my chimney sweep?
Yes, if you and your chimney sweep not get along with each other or often have unpleasant discussions, or you simply find him too expensive, you can change him. However, as the homeowner/tenant, you are obliged to notify your district commissioner of your new chimney sweep and that the tasks have been completed. The process, is however, rather complicated and might be best handled by your landlord.
Do not confuse chimney sweeps with “smoke detector inspectors.”
There have recently been reports about individuals dressing up as firemen, knocking on your door and claiming to be inspectors to ensure that your smoke detectors are properly installed.
These types of inspectors exist, and they also drop a note in your mailbox. However, if you are renting a house, the inspection of the smoke detectors belongs to the responsibility of the landlord, unless otherwise stated in your rental contract. If your rental contract states that the landlord takes care of this matter, then he should notify you of the inspection date.
Should these “smoke detector inspectors” unexpectedly knock at your door, use extreme caution, they could be burglars trying to steal or scout out your home for valuables. Also see graphic on Page 15 on the topic.
Chimney sweeps bring you luck!
Germans love their chimney sweeps as they are said to bring luck. Practically seen, they ensure that chimneys, pipes, and furnaces are in order and protect your house. But some Germans believe that if you pinch a chimney sweep to get a bit of soot, turn the buttons on their traditional dress with black hat and a chimney broom, or even kiss them on the cheek, this will bring good luck to the person that spots the chimney sweep. Little Schornsteinfeger are also often presented as a gift for a prosperous new year.
