It is probable that one or more of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard at some point, if you are the owner of single-family rental homes. Having trampolines on your rental property is yet another critical decision that you will have to make.
Yes, there are several reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which may induce you to grant permission. However, there are also valid reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Prior to making a decision, it’s critical to know the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Single-family homes are frequently equipped with trampolines. They provide a fun exercise that improves coordination and muscle growth. They help develop skills for sports like gymnastics and diving, offering hours of diversion for energetic kids. Manufacturers have enhanced protection with nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
Nevertheless, figures indicate that these benefits come with serious risks, even with safety precautions. Trampolines are generally prohibited by landlords and property owners, and this is for a valid reason.
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. Fractures of the ribs, sternum, spine, and head are frequent injuries, and some of them may lead to permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines may also pose a risk. If they aren’t properly maintained or start to rust, they could rapidly become a responsibility. Putting a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult, as it must be relocated whenever the lawn is mowed.
If the trampoline stays in one place too long, it is probable that the vegetation beneath it will die. On occasion, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, allowing it to deteriorate in the yard. That heap of junk then becomes your accountability once they move out.
No wonder, trampolines are frequently perceived as a significant liability due to their numerous drawbacks. Even if you have a lease addendum that assigns all duties to the tenant should they decide to purchase a trampoline, that is no guarantee against future litigation.
Setting Expectations Early to Avoid Future Disputes
However, it is crucial to consider whether your tenant may perceive that having a trampoline (or not) is a deal-breaker. Their long-term satisfaction with the rental property is essential for the longevity of your business, so denying any request should be done carefully and for a valid excuse. That is why it is crucial to make the decision to install trampolines on your property early and to communicate the decision explicitly to your tenant in the lease documents to avoid future hurt feelings and disappointment.
If you want assistance managing tenants or creating lease agreements for things like trampolines, hire a trusted Brooksville property manager like Real Property Management Connection, and we will streamline the process for both you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 727-279-7779 today.
Originally Published on July 3, 2020
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