Description
The Chimney Sweeping Act of 26.11.2008 amended the chimney sweeping system, but due to transitional arrangements the previous monopoly system, according to which the district chimney sweep was solely responsible for all chimney sweeping work in his sweeping district (exception: EU service providers), largely continued to apply until the end of 2012.
Since 01.01.2010, sweeping districts that become vacant have been put out to tender and awarded for seven years. A transitional arrangement provided for already appointed master district chimney sweeps to remain in their district until the end of 2014. As of 01.01.2015, these districts were put out to public tender.
Further significant changes occurred on 01.01.2013: The authorized district chimney sweeps (previously district chimney sweep master) are now only reserved for some sovereign activities (fireplace inspection, fireplace notice, occasion-related inspections, building inspections, replacement inspections). In addition, there is the task of keeping the sweep book for this district and checking that the owner's obligations are complied with in due time.
For the sovereign tasks reserved for the authorised district chimney sweepers, a new state fee schedule applies (see legal basis Annex 3 to § 6 of the Sweeping and Inspection Regulations - KÜO).
For the non-sovereign tasks, competition began on 01.01.2013. They can be carried out by any company that is authorised to carry out chimney sweeping activities in Germany under craft law (see service "Chimney sweeping work; notification in the event of non-initiation" under "Related topics").
The prices for chimney sweeping work in competition are freely negotiable as of 2013.
Further information can be obtained from the district administrative authority, which can also provide you with the name of the authorised district chimney sweep responsible for you.
If you select a location under "Localization" the contact details of the responsible authority and, if applicable, locally valid information will be displayed.