A fireplace in your home is more than just a heating appliance; it’s a wonderful focal point for any room. However, if your home is a flat, fireplaces can be tricky. Here at Sussex Fireplace Gallery, we’ve been supplying and installing all types of fireplaces for many years, and we are often asked about the best options for apartment living.

Whether you're dreaming of a traditional open fire, thinking about a log burner in your flat or considering a modern alternative, understanding the regulations, permissions, and options available to you is crucial for making an informed decision.

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Leasehold property ownership means you have the right to occupy your flat for the duration specified in your lease, while the freeholder owns the building itself. Before making any decisions about a fireplace, carefully review your lease agreement. This document outlines what alterations you can make to your property and whether you need a "License to Alter" from the freeholder.

Many leases contain specific clauses about structural changes and installations, which often include fireplace modifications or additions like a log burner in the flat. The freeholder's permission isn't just a formality – it's a legal requirement that protects both the building's integrity and the safety of all residents.

What’s more, if you rent the flat, you need to ask your landlord (who may well be the leaseholder) to carry out the necessary checks and obtain any relevant permissions.

Existing Fireplaces

If you live in an older property that’s been converted or a purpose-built block of flats with original fireplaces that are intact, you may be able to use them. But if a fireplace needs to be repaired and restored to full functionality, you’ll likely need permission from the landlord or freeholder to carry out the work.

Given the above, can you add a fireplace to your flat? The good news is that there are some fantastic alternatives to traditional open fires that can be installed in flats without much bother.

Electric Fires

Electric fireplaces are the easiest solution to give your home that cosy fireplace feel while adding an eye-catching centrepiece to your room. This is because they don’t require a chimney or a lot of building work – just a plug and some minor drilling work. There’s also no combustion and no real flame, meaning electric fires are completely safe for flats and carry no carbon monoxide risk whatsoever.

An electric fireplace is also space-saving which makes them ideal for apartment living where space is always at a premium. Free-standing models sit flat against the wall while wall-mounted models save on floor space; inset electric fires are also an option but require more work to install.

If you’re renting, electric fires are a fantastic option as many freestanding models simply need to be plugged into a regular socket and can be taken with you when you move. For wall-mounted or inset fires, however, you will need your landlord’s approval before installing.

Gas Fires

Gas fires are also possible for flat owners if you choose a flueless fire which doesn’t require a chimney. Unlike an electric fire, gas fires provide a real flame for an authentic feel but without the need for an open chimney.

Flueless gas fires use a catalytic converter which turns the fumes into safe gasses which are then released back into the room, removing the need for a chimney or flue. There are numerous styles and models to choose from, including wall-mounted flueless gas fires and flueless inset gas fires.

To install a flueless gas fire, there is some minor building work required and certain restrictions to consider. First, the room must be bigger than 30m² and have a permanent openable window, as well as an air vent at least 100m² installed to a fresh air supply source.

The fire also needs to be connected to the mains gas supply and fixed securely to the wall. It’s important to note that flueless gas fires should only be used as a secondary heat source, so you must also have central heating in your flat.

It depends on several factors, including fire safety laws in your building, local building regulations, and whether there’s a suitable chimney or flue system in place. If there is no existing chimney or a way to install a flue, a log burner might not be possible. Flats pose a higher fire risk compared to houses because there are shared walls, ceilings and floors, which means insurers might have restrictions on solid fuel stoves.

In the UK, new wood burning stove regulations came into effect in 2022 that state that all wood burning or multi-fuel stoves and fireplaces have to meet new guidelines known as Eco design. This means that the installation has to comply with building regulations and there are restrictions on the type of fuel you can burn. If you live in a Smoke Control area, you might also have other criteria that your stove needs to meet.‍‍

Compliance with building regulations and safety standards is paramount when installing any type of fireplace. For gas installations, you'll need current Gas Safe certification and regular safety checks, while electric fireplaces have to meet current electrical safety standards and may require professional installation depending on your building's regulations.

You also need to inform your insurance provider about any fireplace installation, as this might affect your coverage. Regular maintenance isn't just good practice either – it's often a legal requirement, particularly for gas appliances. All installations should comply with fire safety regulations specific to residential buildings, which can be stricter for multi-occupancy properties.

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Choosing the right fireplace for your home is an important decision, particularly if you live in a flat. Why not visit our showroom near Eastbourne to see our large display of traditional and contemporary fires? You can make an appointment here.

Our experienced team is on hand to guide you through the entire process. We can arrange for a home survey to ensure that your chosen fireplace is the right style and size for your needs, while our installation team delivers a clean, polite and efficient service to fit your new appliance.