As the owner of single-family rental homes, it’s quite likely that, at some stage, one or more of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard. Accepting trampolines on your rental property is another choice you’ll need to consider, and it’s an essential one.
There are several reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which could make it tempting to agree. Nevertheless, there are also legitimate reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Before reaching a decision, it’s crucial to grasp the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Trampolines are popular in single-family homes. They provide a fun exercise that improves coordination and muscle growth. They help develop skills for sports like gymnastics and diving, offering endless entertainment for lively children. Manufacturers have improved security features with nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
However, figures prove that these benefits come with serious risks, even with safety precautions. Most landlords and property owners have strict rules against trampolines, and for sound reason.
Why Trampolines Can Become a Liability for Landlords
In the U.S., trampolines lead to approximately 100,000 injuries each year. Many of these injuries involve broken legs and arms, but they can be much more serious. Frequent injuries encompass broken ribs, sternum, spine, and head, some of which may result in permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines may pose certain risks. If they aren’t properly maintained or start to rust, they can swiftly turn into an unattractive sight. Having a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult, as it requires relocating the trampoline every time the lawn is mowed.
If the trampoline stays in one place too long, it’s likely to damage the grass beneath it. At times, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, resulting in it gradually falling apart in the yard. That heap of junk then becomes your liability once they move out.
Given the numerous shortcomings, it’s easy to see why trampolines are frequently considered a significant liability. Although you have a lease addendum that places full responsibility on the tenant should they choose to get a trampoline, that is no guarantee against future litigation.
Setting Expectations Early to Avoid Future Disputes
Still, it’s critical to consider whether your tenant might feel that having a trampoline (or not) is a deal-breaker. Their long-term satisfaction with the rental property is critical to your long-term achievement, so denying any request should be done carefully, explained with good reason. That is why, to avoid future hurt feelings and disappointment, it’s essential to decide early on about the presence of trampolines on your property and to convey this clearly to your tenant within the lease documents.
If you’re looking for assistance with managing tenants or drafting lease agreements for things like trampolines, hire a trusted Middleton property manager like Real Property Management Nampa, we make life easier for you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 208-960-0660 today.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
