Living in a Rented House? These Fireplaces Won’t Upset Your Landlord

Feeling the chill and dreaming of a cosy fireplace, but worried about your tenancy agreement? We get it. The common belief is that fireplaces are a big no-no in rented homes, involving messy construction, permanent changes, and a very unhappy landlord. But what if we told you that you don’t have to miss out on the warm glow and stylish centrepiece you’ve been hoping for?

Just because you rent doesn’t mean you have to endure another winter without the comforting ambience of a fire. There are fantastic, fuss-free options that require no chimney, no construction work, and definitely no deposit drama.

This guide will walk you through the best fireplaces for a rented house, explain why they work so well in temporary homes, and highlight what to look for to transform your space from simply a house into a cosy home.

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First Things First: What Renters Need to Consider

Before you start browsing, a quick check of your surroundings and your rental agreement will save you a lot of hassle.

• Assess Your Space: Do you have an existing, unused fireplace recess or a sad-looking old surround? This could be the perfect spot for an inset fire. Or are you working with a completely blank wall?

• Check Your Tenancy Agreement: Give your contract a once-over. Most standard agreements restrict making ‘permanent alterations’ to the property. The key is to find a solution that isn’t considered permanent.

• Aim for ‘No-Trace’ Solutions: The goal is a fireplace that you can plug in, enjoy, and then easily take with you when you move out, leaving the property exactly as you found it.

With these points in mind, let’s explore the best landlord-friendly options.

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Electric Fire Suites: Big Style, Zero Stress

When it comes to finding the best fireplaces for a rented house, electric fireplace suites are the ultimate plug-and-play solution. These are all-in-one units that combine the fire with a stylish surround, mantel, and hearth. They are designed to simply stand against a flat wall, meaning there’s no hardwiring, assembly, or installation required.

You can place them wherever there’s a socket, and when it’s time to move, you can just unplug it and take it with you. It’s a piece of furniture that brings warmth and character to your home, with zero long-term commitment.

Our Top Picks for Renter-Friendly Electric Fireplace Suites

Model	Price*	Key Features for Renters
Suncrest Marlow Electric Fireplace Suite	£449.00	A fantastic budget-friendly option with a low, panoramic design that’s perfect for placing a TV above. Just plug it in and go!
Flare Salehurst Grande Electric Fireplace Suite	£729.00	A clean, contemporary design in a simple white finish that fits against any flat wall. Remote control makes it easy to use.
Flare Linmere Electric Fireplace Suite	£799.00	Features classic details like an arched chest and fluted legs. It’s freestanding and doesn’t require a chimney.
Dimplex Optimyst Electric Fireplace Suite	£839.95	Creates an incredibly realistic 3D fire and smoke effect using ultrasonic technology. It’s fully adaptable and requires no recess.
Pryzm Edwin Electric Fireplace Suite	£964.95	A contemporary suite with a log effect that can be placed against a flat wall, offering a high-end nook with no installation.
Elgin & Hall Prysm Velino Timber Fireplace Suite	£1,049.95	Features a stunning 5D flame effect and a modern Ash White timber finish. It’s a freestanding unit that requires no recess.
Trent Fireplaces e-Lectra Vanquish Electric Fireplace	£1,999.00	A premium, contemporary suite with smartphone app control and a sleek design that fits flat against the wall.

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Wall-Hung Electric Fires

If you’re aiming for a modern, minimalist look, a wall-hung electric fire could be the answer. These sleek units hang on the wall, much like a flat-screen TV, creating a floating focal point that saves on floor space.

However, this is where you need to be careful. Most wall-hung fires require a bracket to be screwed into the wall. If your tenancy agreement allows you to hang pictures and shelves (and you’re prepared to fill and paint over the holes when you leave), this could be a great option. Always check with your landlord first if you’re unsure.

Our Top Picks for Wall-Hung Electric Fires

Model	Price*	Key Features for Renters
Dimplex Diamantique Wall Mounted Electric Fire	£299.00	A stylish fire with a mirrored glass finish and Optiflame effect. It’s a space-saving solution that’s easy to install.
Celsi Enchant Flamonik Curved Wall Mounted Electric Fire	£394.95	Features a striking black glass fascia and colour-changing backlights to set the mood. It can be used with flame effect only.
Flare Azonto Wall Mounted Electric Fire	£449.00	Offers a sleek glass fascia with 7 flame colours and ambient backlighting. It comes with a simple flat-wall-fix installation.
Katell Anzio Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace	£1,749.00	A beautiful wall-mounted suite with a convincing Optimyst flame effect and a handy 7-day programmable timer.
Evonic Compton 2 Electric Wall Mounted Fireplace Suite	£1,549.00	A luxury suite with app control, customisable colours, and a stunning flame effect that creates a cosy heaven.

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Freestanding and Inset Electric Fires

Do you have an old, unused fireplace opening in your rental? Don’t let it go to waste! An inset electric fire is designed to slot directly into a standard fireplace recess, instantly reviving a dead space with light and warmth. There’s no complex installation – just slide it in and plug it in.

Alternatively, freestanding electric stoves offer the classic, charming look of a cast-iron wood-burner without any of the associated hassle. They don’t need a chimney or pipework and can be placed anywhere near a socket, making them some of the best fireplaces for rented houses. For an even more authentic look, you can place one on a stylish heart pad and install a faux flue pipe.

For those dreaming of a media wall without the construction, the Kalfire E-55 Freestanding Electric Fire is a game-changer. Designed to match a 55” TV perfectly, it’s a plug-and-play design that gives you that sleek, integrated media wall look with zero building work required.

Learn More: Media Walls Made Simple with Kalfire

Our Top Picks for Freestanding and Inset Fires

Model	Type	Price*	Key Features for Renters
Elan Black Inset LED Electric Fire	Inset	£109.95	A simple, affordable inset fire that fits standard openings. A perfect way to quickly upgrade an existing empty fireplace.
Flare Abbey Arched Inset Electric Fire	Inset	£219.00	Features a classic arched design and glowing coal bed, ideal for bringing character to period rentals.
Dimplex Bayport Optimyst Electric Stove	Freestanding	£449.00	A compact, freestanding electric stove with the realistic Optimyst flame and smoke effect. Perfect for adding charm to any room.
Dimplex Ropley Optimyst Freestanding Electric Fire	Freestanding	£649.00	A modern, freestanding fire with a wide viewing window and the impressive Optimyst effect, offering a contemporary feel.
Kalfire E-55 Freestanding Electric Fire	Freestanding	£3,090.00	The ultimate no-fuss media wall solution. This freestanding unit is designed to algin perfectly with a 55” TV for a high-end look (that you can take with you when you move).

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Flueless Gas Fires: A Renter’s Grey Area (Check First!)

While most of the options we’ve discussed are electric, it’s worth knowing about flueless gas fires. These are a technical possibility for renters, but they fall into a grey area and require much more consideration.

Unlike electric fires, which you can simply plug in yourself, a flueless gas fire must be installed and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and you would absolutely need your landlord’s explicit permission beforehand. They are not a plug-and-play solution.

However, for long-term tenants with a flexible landlord who is okay with it, they're an excellent and efficient heating source, and could quickly become the best fireplace for your rented house. Just be prepared for a more involved process.

Learn More: What Types of Flueless Fires Are There?

Our Top Picks for Flueless Gas Fires (With Landlord Approval)

Model	Price*	Key Features for Renters
Eko Fires 5070 Flueless Gas Fire	£399.00	A modern, wall-mounted design with a sleek glass front. It’s 100% efficient and requires no chimney.
Burley Perception Flueless Gas Fire	£519.00	Features a classic design with a decorative coal effect and offers a powerful heat output for its size.
	£549.00	Designed to be inset into a wall or suitable surround, this fire provides a clean, integrated look.
Burley Fires Environ 4244 Flueless Gas Fire	£599.00	A catalytic converter ensures clean burning, and it’s designed to fit a standard 16” fireplace opening.
Eko 5090 Wall Mounted Flueless Gas Fire	£649.00	A stylish, landscape wall-mounted fire that creates a contemporary focal point with high efficiency.

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Decorative Fireplace Ideas (For When the Answer is ‘No’)

If your landlord is particularly strict and any form of heating appliance is off the table, you can still create that cosy focal point. A standalone fireplace surround can frame a space beautifully, and you can get creative with what you put inside.

Consider filling the opening with pillar candles (in lanterns for safety), draping it with fairy lights, or using a collection of LED flame-effect lamps. Many wooden surrounds can be painted to match your décor, offering a fantastic way to personalise your space when you can’t paint the wall. If you can’t screw the surround to the wall for stability, choose a lightweight model and use removable adhesive strips for a secure, damage-free fix.

Our Top Picks for Decorative Surrounds

Model	Price*	Key Features for Renters
Pureglow Fires Hanley Painted Wooden Fireplace Surround	£289.00	A simple, elegant design available in several painted finishes that can be easily customised.
Cast Tec Coniston Solid Wooden Fire Surround	£319.00	A classic, timeless design made from solid wood that adds a touch of grandeur.
Carron Corbel Pine Fire Surround	£429.00	A traditional pine surround with classic corbel details, perfect for adding rustic charm. Lightweight enough for renter-friendly fixing.
Carron New York Distressed Acacia Fire Surround	£549.00	A stunning, contemporary surround with a distressed finish that makes a bold style statement.

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Moving Out? Take Your Cosiness With You!

One of the biggest advantages of the best fireplaces for rented houses is their portability. Unlike a traditional installation, you’re not investing in an appliance that you’ll have to leave behind. When your tenancy ends, you can simply unplug your fire, pack it up, and take it to your next home. It’s an investment in your comfort that moves with you - so you don't have to feel bad about spending more on it.

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Our Verdict: The Ultimate Renter-Friendly Fireplaces

While there are many great options, electric fireplace suites are the most convenient and reliable choice for renters. Why do we think they are the best fireplaces for a rented house? They are truly plug-and-play, requiring absolutely no installation or drilling, and can be taken with you when you move. Your landlord doesn’t even need to know it was ever there. They offer the complete package: a beautiful surround, a warming fire, and total peace of mind.

Cosy doesn’t have to be complicated – or require your landlord’s approval. With the right choice, you can create the warm, inviting home you’ve always wanted.

Ready to warm up your rental? Explore our full range of no-fuss, plug-in, and freestanding fireplaces perfect for your space.