As the owner of single-family rental homes, it’s quite likely that, in the future, one or more of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard. Deciding whether to allow trampolines on your rental property is an important choice you’ll need to consider.
There are plenty of reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which could make it hard to say no. However, there are some valid reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Before making a choice, it’s a good idea to consider the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Trampolines are a favorite 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 fun for active kids. Manufacturers have made safety even better with nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
However, statistics show that these benefits come with serious risks, even with safety precautions. Most landlords and property owners tend to discourage trampolines, and there are some valid reasons for that.
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. Common injuries include fractured ribs, sternum, spine, and head, and a few of these might lead to permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines can sometimes pose a risk. If they aren’t properly maintained or begin to rust, they might turn into an eyesore pretty quickly. Having a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult since you’ll need to move the trampoline each time the lawn is mowed.
If the trampoline stays in one place too long, it might end up harming the grass underneath. Occasionally, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, which can lead to it sitting in the yard and deteriorating. That heap of junk then becomes yours to control once they move out.
Given the various concerns, it’s easy to see why trampolines are often considered a significant liability. Having a lease addendum that puts full responsibility on the tenant for getting a trampoline is helpful, but it is no guarantee against future litigation.
Setting Expectations Early to Avoid Future Disputes
Still, it’s important to consider whether your tenant might feel that having a trampoline (or not) is an obstruction. Their long-term satisfaction with the rental property is critical to your long-term success, so denying any request should be done carefully and for a good reason. That is why it’s a good idea to decide early on about allowing trampolines on your property and to share that information clearly with your tenant in the lease documents. This way, you can avoid hurt feelings and disappointment in the future.
If you’re looking for assistance with managing tenants or creating lease agreements for things like trampolines, hire a trusted Kuna property manager like Real Property Management Boise. We’re here to make things easier for you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 208-494-1800 today.
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