MaintainlyWhen is the Feuerstättenschau due in Germany?
Feuerstättenschau (chimney sweep inspection) every 42 months. The commonly recommended range is twice in 7 years, 3 to 5 years apart. It is a legal duty, and a flue that no longer draws properly can push carbon monoxide back into the home. This is a safety-critical task, so do not let it slip.
In Germany the Schornsteinfeger-Handwerksgesetz (SchfHwG) requires a Feuerstättenschau: the district chimney sweep inspects the combustion installations in every building of the district, from a wood stove to a gas boiler, for operational and fire safety. It happens twice during the sweep’s seven-year appointment, no sooner than three years and normally no later than five years after the last one. It is separate from the routine sweeping, inspections and emission measurements set by the Kehr- und Überprüfungsordnung (KÜO).
Why does the Feuerstättenschau matter?
It is a legal duty, and a flue that no longer draws properly can push carbon monoxide back into the home.
What happens if you skip the Feuerstättenschau?
The owner has to give the district chimney sweep access; if access is refused, the authority issues an order to allow it. If proof of the work listed in the Feuerstättenbescheid does not arrive in time, the sweep reports it and the authority issues a second notice that threatens to have the work done at your cost. More importantly, a flue that no longer draws or a connection that leaks can push carbon monoxide back into the home.
What does the professional actually do?
- Inspects the combustion installations in the building for operational and fire safety
- Issues the Feuerstättenbescheid, which lists the sweeping, inspection and measurement work and the period for each
- Reports any defects to the owner in writing or electronically
- Can order a temporary shutdown if an installation is unsafe and the danger is immediate
How do you choose someone qualified?
The Feuerstättenschau is carried out by the bevollmächtigter Bezirksschornsteinfeger for your district, who contacts you. For the routine work listed in the Feuerstättenbescheid you may use another chimney sweep, who fills in a Formblatt confirming the work and gives it to you or sends it on your behalf. The form has to reach the district chimney sweep no later than 14 days after the deadline in the Feuerstättenbescheid, and that remains your responsibility.
How do you know the Feuerstättenschau is overdue?
- The date on your last Feuerstättenbescheid is three or more years ago
- A letter from the district chimney sweep announcing a visit
- You have added, replaced or shut down a stove or boiler: the owner must report that to the district chimney sweep without delay
What do people get wrong?
- Throwing away the Feuerstättenbescheid: it is the schedule for every other chimney job
- Forgetting to send the Formblatt when a sweep of your choice did the work
- Assuming a heat pump home is exempt when a wood stove is still connected
When should you stop and call someone?
Always. Only the district chimney sweep can carry out the Feuerstättenschau.
Does this differ in the US, UK, Australia or Canada?
United States
There is no equivalent legal inspection. The NFPA 211 standard calls for chimneys, fireplaces and vents to be inspected at least once a year, which Maintainly covers with the Chimney sweep task.
United Kingdom
There is no equivalent inspection for owner-occupiers. Landlords must have a registered engineer carry out a gas safety check every year on each gas appliance and flue.
Australia
There is no national equivalent inspection.
Canada
There is no national equivalent inspection. Ask your insurer what it expects for a wood-burning appliance.
What about in Europe?
Germany
The Feuerstättenschau is required by section 14 of the SchfHwG. The KÜO sets the routine work: solid fuel installations are swept one to four times a year depending on how much they are used, and gas appliances are inspected every year or every two years depending on the type.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the Feuerstättenschau matter?
It is a legal duty, and a flue that no longer draws properly can push carbon monoxide back into the home.
What happens if you skip the Feuerstättenschau?
The owner has to give the district chimney sweep access; if access is refused, the authority issues an order to allow it. If proof of the work listed in the Feuerstättenbescheid does not arrive in time, the sweep reports it and the authority issues a second notice that threatens to have the work done at your cost. More importantly, a flue that no longer draws or a connection that leaks can push carbon monoxide back into the home.
Does the Feuerstättenschau differ by country?
Germany: required by the chimney sweep act (SchfHwG) for every fireplace, stove and gas or oil heating system. Your district chimney sweep carries it out and issues the Feuerstättenbescheid, which also sets the dates for sweeping and emission measurements. Keep the notice and every Formblatt.
How we put this together
The figures, intervals and legal points on this page were checked against the sources listed below. The default interval and accepted range are the ones Maintainly uses in its task library. Costs and times are typical ranges and vary by region and by home. Your own manufacturer's instructions come first, and gas, electrical and structural work belongs with a qualified professional. How we research and write.
Sources
- Schornsteinfeger-Handwerksgesetz (SchfHwG), § 14 Feuerstättenschau, Bundesministerium der Justiz (Gesetze im Internet). Checked 11 October 2026.
- Schornsteinfeger-Handwerksgesetz (SchfHwG), § 1 Eigentümerpflichten, Bundesministerium der Justiz (Gesetze im Internet). Checked 11 October 2026.
- Schornsteinfeger-Handwerksgesetz (SchfHwG), § 4 Nachweise, Bundesministerium der Justiz (Gesetze im Internet). Checked 11 October 2026.
- Schornsteinfeger-Handwerksgesetz (SchfHwG), § 25 Versäumung von Fristen, Zweitbescheid, Bundesministerium der Justiz (Gesetze im Internet). Checked 11 October 2026.
- Schornsteinfeger-Handwerksgesetz (SchfHwG), § 10 Bestellung, Bundesministerium der Justiz (Gesetze im Internet). Checked 11 October 2026.
- Kehr- und Überprüfungsordnung (KÜO), Anlage 1, Bundesministerium der Justiz (Gesetze im Internet). Checked 11 October 2026.
- Homeowner Resources, Chimney Safety Institute of America. Checked 11 October 2026.
- Private renting: Your landlord’s safety responsibilities, GOV.UK. Checked 11 October 2026.
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