As the owner of single-family rental homes, it is almost guaranteed that, at some point, one or more of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard. You must make the crucial decision about the trampoline allowance on your rental property.
There are several reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which might prompt you to permit its presence. However, there are also appropriate reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Prior to making a decision, you need to consider the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Single-family homes frequently feature trampolines. They offer a fun exercise that improves coordination and muscle growth. They help develop skills for sports like gymnastics and diving, occupying active children for extended periods. Manufacturers have improved protection with nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
However, numbers show that these benefits come with serious risks, even with safety precautions. Most landlords and property owners discourage trampolines, citing reasonable justifications.
Why Trampolines Can Become a Liability for Landlords
In the U.S., trampolines lead to approximately 100,000 injuries each year. Most of these injuries involve broken legs and arms, but they can be much more serious. Fractured ribs, sternum, spine, and head are prevalent injuries that may result in permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines may potentially pose risks. If they aren’t properly maintained or become rusted, their appearance is prone to deteriorate. Having a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult as it necessitates reLargo each time the lawn is mowed.
If the trampoline stays in one place too long, it is highly likely to damage the grass underneath. On occasion, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, resulting in its degradation in the yard. That heap of junk then becomes yours to bear once they move out.
Given the numerous hazards associated with trampolines, it’s not surprising that they are regarded as a significant liability. Although a lease addendum may assign full liability to the tenant for acquiring a trampoline, that is no guarantee against future litigation.
Setting Expectations Early to Avoid Future Disputes
However, it is essential 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 important to your long-term victory, so denying any request should be done carefully and for a sound reason. That is why, to avoid future hurt feelings and disappointment, you should promptly determine whether to permit your renters to have trampolines on your property and explicitly state this in the lease documents.
If you encounter challenges with managing tenants or creating lease agreements for things like trampolines, hire a trusted Largo property manager like Real Property Management Catalyst. We will streamline everything for you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 727-202-9077 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.
