What to do with "fireplace" cavity

[TimberCladding]

Hi

A long term tenant recently moved out. Part the way through the tenancy the Baxi back boiler in a fireplace with flue going through chimney, got changed for an efficient boiler in another location. The hole that was left was covered by some boarding; part of a very elaborate 70's tiled fire surround and TV and shelving display area. That has all got ripped out just now and I have a hole uncovered where the back boiler and fire was. Cement bottom brick sides and holes to the side where the pipe work went.

I'm refurbishing to relet. Not sure whether to board out the hole and make a minimalist non-functioning fireplace where they might want to stick a mock electric wood burner or flower arrangement, or just to plasterboard over the cavity (with some ventilation of course).

Part of me worries that if I leave a "fireplace" someone could think to put some candles in it and set it alight or worse. Am I being paranoid ?

What would you do ?

Thanks

[SouthernDave]

Board it up. But remember to leave a vent at the bottom, either on the side or the front. The chimney requires airflow otherwise you’ll get a damp issue.

[theartfullodger]

Board it up. But remember to leave a vent at the bottom, either on the side or the front. The chimney requires airflow otherwise you’ll get a damp issue.

+1 ,.........

[Another Fine Mess]

Board it up. But remember to leave a vent at the bottom, either on the side or the front. The chimney requires airflow otherwise you’ll get a damp issue.

I had this with a terraced house I bought, there was an original fireplace and grate. I boarded it up and put a vent at the bottom just above the new skirting board. After renting it out a few months later the tenants were complaining of damp and black mould.
An inspection revealed that the tenants had pushed the bed right up to the vent and was touching it.
And they never opened any windows. (unless the Letting Agent was doing an inspection)

[dp17]

Although at home, for my daughters room, where we had an old fireplace that I had removed, I raised the base with blocks about 450 mm and filled it in but also did the same with the lintel above, then plastered it inside , added a mains socket, vent and light at the top inside and a glass shelf in the back. Made a nice storage area for her mini Hi-fi...of and don't forget, when were talking about damp and ventilation, the vent at the bottom but also to cap the chimney with a cowl or terracotta vent.

[gnvqsos]

Board it up. But remember to leave a vent at the bottom, either on the side or the front. The chimney requires airflow otherwise you’ll get a damp issue.

Very wise.

[TimberCladding]

I had it plastered over etc. Simple always best