As the owner of single-family rental homes, the odds are high that, at some time, one or more of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard. Another crucial choice you will have to make is whether or not to allow trampolines on your rental property.
There are several reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which may tempt you to respond yes. However, there are other valid reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Comprehending the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline is crucial before making a choice.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Trampolines are common in single-family homes. They deliver a fun exercise that improves coordination and muscle growth. They give active children hours of pleasure while developing the skills for sports like gymnastics and diving. Manufacturers have improved security with nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
However, even with safety precautions, data indicate that these benefits come with serious risks. The majority of landlords and property owners ban trampolines for reasons of safety.
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 in the ribs, sternum, spine, and head are common injuries, some of which can cause permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines can also become unsafe. If they aren’t properly maintained or start to rust, they could rapidly turn into a nuisance. Because the trampoline needs to be moved each time the lawn is mowed, having a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult.
The grass underneath the trampoline is likely to be killed if the trampoline stays in one place too long. Occasionally, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, so they let it rot in the yard. Once they move out, that heap of junk becomes your issue.
It’s understandable why trampolines are frequently seen as a significant liability given their numerous drawbacks. Even if you possess a lease addendum that gives full custody to the tenant should they choose to acquire a trampoline, that is no guarantee against future litigation.
Setting Expectations Early to Avoid Future Disputes
Nonetheless, it’s vital to consider whether your tenant could think that having a trampoline (or not) is a hindrance. Their long-term satisfaction with the rental property is important to your long-term success, so denying any request should be done carefully and for a valid reason. Therefore, the decision to permit trampolines on your property should be made beforehand and made explicit to your tenant in the lease documents to avoid future hurt feelings and disappointment.
If you need aid managing tenants or drafting lease agreements for goods like trampolines, hire a trusted Grafton property manager like Real Property Management MetroWest-Worcester, we make life simpler for you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 508-329-6000 today.
Originally Published on July 3, 2020
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