As the owner of single-family rental homes, you need to anticipate that, someday, one or more of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard. Authorizing trampolines on your rental property is a consequential decision that demands careful deliberation.
There are plenty of reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which may convince you to accept it. Yet, there are excellent reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Before making a decision, it is crucial to understand the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Trampolines are common in single-family homes. They give a fun exercise that improves coordination and muscle growth. They help develop skills for sports like gymnastics and diving, providing substantial entertainment for energetic children. Manufacturers have enhanced safety by using nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
Nonetheless, studies reveal that these benefits come with serious risks, even with safety precautions. Most landlords and property owners prohibit trampolines, and this is warranted.
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. These typically include fractured ribs, sternum, spine, and head, some of which could lead to permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines may also present a hazard. If they aren’t properly maintained or exposed to rust, they may quickly become unsightly. Possessing a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult as it requires repositioning each time the lawn is mowed.
If the trampoline stays in one place too long, it is probable that it will smother the grass underneath. At times, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, leading to its degradation in the yard. That heap of junk then becomes your obligation once they move out.
Considering the myriad downsides, it is not unexpected that trampolines are often viewed as a significant liability. A lease addendum may transfer the entire responsibility for obtaining a trampoline to the tenant, but 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 an impediment. Their long-term satisfaction with the rental property is crucial to your long-term success, so denying any request should be done carefully and for legitimate grounds. As a result, to avoid future hurt feelings and disappointment, the decision regarding the acceptance of trampolines on your property ought to be made immediately and clearly communicated to your tenant in the lease documents.
For assistance with managing tenants or writing lease agreements for things like trampolines, try to hire a trusted Glenview property manager like Real Property Management Chicago Group. We will make everything simple for both you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 312-265-0660 today.
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