chimney fire by guest

[Tara106]

Hello,

I recently had a guest use my fireplace.  She did not open the damper and all the smoke came into my home.  Now my house smells like there has been a fire.  I cannot get the smell out and all the furniture smells like smoke.  Do you know if Airbnb would help cover the cost of a professional cleaner?  I know it was an accident on the guests part and I would feel awful asking her for more money to cover the cost.  Any suggestions?

Thanks so much,

Tara

[Linda108]

@Tara106  I think you might have to assume the cost of this guest mistake and take steps to either educate the futre guests with a reminder sign on the fireplace, or ensure the damper is open when guests check in.   

[Tara106]

Thank you Linda.  That's what I thought.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Tara106

I understand accidents happen, but I think I would still ask the guest to pay something (like maybe 1/3) to help with the cost of a professional cleaner. And I personally would be extremely reluctant to let any guests use a fireplace because when people are in a new, unfamilar environment small (but important) details are easily overlooked.

If she agrees then great, if not, you can chalk it up to experience.

[Julie1189]

Why wasn’t this damage covered by the Airbnb damage coverage/insurance?  I know some time has gone by but you should look into filing a claim.  I’d be interested to hear how quickly they take care if you (or don’t).

[Sandra126]

@Tara106, that is not a chimney fire. A chimney fire is where the build up in the flue catches alight. To avoid, have the chimney cleaned once a year if in use constantly. You will know if you have one, there is a roar in the flue as it catches alight. I have had one, 20 years ago. My fault, nothing to do with guests. Education is the key with guests, or they might do silly things like putting ashes in a plastic bag. I meet everyone and talk them through it until they are confident. I tell them I am a phonecall away if something doesn't feel right. If you are an absent host, make a pictorial manual (including troubleshooting) for them. Do it like an IKEA instruction, no words to counter all nationalties problems.

[Letti0]

I have a fireplace in both rentals and my venue. Right before the season which in short in San Antonio, a couple of months at most, I have them inspected. One had a birds nest from a faulty cap due to a storm last year. I add to the check in welcome letter to please contact us prior to use of the fireplace. This way I can talk to them to be sure they know the proper use even if I need to go over there to show them I will. I also tell them there is a $35 clean up fee if they do decide to use it, but we will supply the wood. Have at least 4-8 years worth available lol from all the tree trimming done since I bought the place in January of 2016.

[Fabienne217]

Make you double-check your insurance policy because very few will cover the damage if they know it is a short rental. And by the way, with AirBNB assurance, it seems it's an Herculean task to get reimboursed.

[Fabienne217]

I rent a cabin, and I realized after a while my guests wanted to use the fireplace. I perfectly understand it; however, some of the guests DO NOT CARE of the place ! I had some people who moved some furnitures and scratch the walls! Fortunately, they represent 1% of my guests, but once the damage is done, it's too late. Consequently, you can buy an electric fireplace that you can place inside of your chimney. It costs about $400, but it pays bu itself because:

1. They cannot set up a fire.

2.  They won't be able to make barbecues, grilles marshmallows... and so on.