As the owner of single-family rental homes, it’s quite likely that, sooner or later, some or all of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard. Allowing trampolines on your rental property is another decision you’ll need to take into account, and it’s an important one.
There are numerous reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which could create an allure to consent. On the flip side, there are also great reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Prior to making a choice, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Trampolines are favored 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, supplying limitless amusement for energetic kids. Manufacturers have enhanced safety elements with nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
Nevertheless, statistics highlight that these benefits come with serious risks, even with safety precautions. The majority of landlords and property owners impose stringent regulations regarding trampolines, and for valid reasons.
Why Trampolines Can Become a Liability for Landlords
In the U.S., trampolines lead to approximately 100,000 injuries each year. Numerous of these injuries involve broken legs and arms, but they can be much more serious. Common injuries encompass broken ribs, sternum, spine, and head, some of which may give rise to permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines might present specific dangers. If they aren’t properly maintained or begin to tarnish, they can quickly become a nuisance to others. Having a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult as it necessitates moving the trampoline each time the lawn is mowed.
If the trampoline stays in one place too long, it’s likely to harm the grass underneath it. At times, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, leading to its slow deterioration in the garden. That heap of junk then becomes your accountability once they move out.
Considering the various drawbacks, it’s evident why trampolines are frequently considered a significant liability. Even with a lease addendum that assigns complete accountability to the tenant if they decide to acquire a trampoline, that is no guarantee against future litigation.
Setting Expectations Early to Avoid Future Disputes
Still, it’s essential to consider whether your tenant might feel that having a trampoline (or not) is a decisive factor. Their long-term satisfaction with the rental property is key to your lasting success, so denying any request should be done carefully, justified with solid reasons. For this reason, to avoid future hurt feelings and disappointment, it is crucial to make an early determination regarding the inclusion of trampolines on your property and to communicate this explicitly to your tenant within the lease documents.
Suppose you need help with managing tenants or creating lease agreements for things like trampolines. Try to hire a trusted Yorktown property manager like Real Property Management Tidal. In that case, we simplify the whole thing for both you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 757-206-2071 today.
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