I used mine all the time. I also had a charcoal barbecue on my back patio, no one ever did anything.

This was in Adams Morgan.

Do you know of where I can find any specific regulations about what a renter can and cannot do?

As far as I know, there's no ban. The issue is that a lot of rentals have boarded up their fireplaces for liability reasons, or they haven't had a chimney cleaning/inspection in ages so the risk of a chimney fire is much higher. Best to speak with the landlord before using the fireplace.

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thank you. I will do that

There are thousands or more rowhomes inspected by DCRA for rentals and they pass rental with working fireplaces.

Look at DC Tenant Rights guide on dc.gov for regulations

Second this; I'm in the burbs but came home from work one day to find the local FD scampering across all our roofs, knocking down a chimney fire in the house three doors down. Fortunately no major damage. (Chimney had never been cleaned in the history of the house.)

I mean as long as your landlord is OK with it and so long as the chimney has been inspected, I wouldn't worry about it. No one is going to bust down your door and throw you in handcuffs for trying to be warm and cozy.

Please get it inspected and swept before burning anything in it. Costs about $200 but it's worth the peace of mind.

Nope. Go ahead and fire away. But talk to your landlord first to be sure it's operational. I have my rental unit chimney cleaned every August.

Source: I own a condo in Kalorama with a working fireplace and rent it out.

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Also worth getting inspected (and having a detector) for carbon monoxide concerns.

Also, if you don’t have renters insurance you should really get some — especially if you plan on starting fires but even if not. It’s cheap.

Also check the lease—renters insurance may be required.

Check your lease. If there is no information there, it may be wise to check with the landlord before using it.

Start by asking your landlord. In a 4-unit we lived in it wasn't allowed

Don’t. I would add this as a clause in any rental agreement - the dangers of someone doesn’t know how to have a fire - and wind up with a fire - are significant

Speaking from experience - repairing a chimney is also extremely expensive. I was quoted like $8G to get mine back up and running

Fireplaces are not part of DCRA's inspection at all, and just because a property passes the basic business license inspection does not mean that it has a working fireplace: https://dcra.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/dcra/publication/attachments/BBL%20Checklist%20%282020%29.pdf

Thanks and not OP and kinda was saying such.

Nope