As the owner of single-family rental homes, it is fairly probable that, at some stage, a few of your tenants will ask to have a trampoline in the yard. Allowing trampolines on your rental property is an important choice that requires thoughtful evaluation.
There are various reasons why a tenant would want a trampoline, which might persuade you to consent to their appeal. Yet, there are also convincing reasons not to allow trampolines on your rental property. Before reaching a conclusion, it is crucial to comprehend the risks and benefits of allowing your tenants to have a trampoline.
Trampolines Are a Common Backyard Feature
Trampolines are popular in single-family homes. They deliver a fun exercise that improves coordination and muscle growth. They help develop skills for sports like gymnastics and diving, granting endless hours of fun for lively kids. Producers have made considerable advancements to enhance safety by integrating nets and in-ground options to reduce falls and injuries.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to recognize that these benefits come with serious risks, even with safety precautions. Most landlords and property owners ban trampolines, and for justifiable reasons.
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. Frequent injuries included broken ribs, sternum, spine, and head, some of which may result in permanent neurological damage.
Trampolines may also pose specific dangers. If they aren’t properly maintained or begin to decompose, they could swiftly turn into an unappealing sight. Having a trampoline in a grassy yard makes yard maintenance much more difficult, as it requires moving the trampoline whenever the lawn is mowed.
If the trampoline stays in one place too long, it is quite probable that the grass underneath may endure negative effects as a consequence. Sometimes, tenants don’t have the means to move or get rid of an old or broken trampoline, allowing it to decay in the garden. That heap of junk then turns into your issue once they move out.
Considering the numerous issues linked to them, it is understandable that trampolines have a reputation as a significant liability. Although you possess a lease addendum that allocates all responsibility to the tenant should they choose to obtain a trampoline, that is no guarantee against future litigation.
Setting Expectations Early to Avoid Future Disputes
It remains important to consider whether your tenant might feel that having a trampoline (or not) is a concern. Their long-term satisfaction with the rental property is crucial to your long-lasting achievement, so denying any request should be done carefully and for an acceptable reason. For this reason, to avoid future hurt feelings and disappointment, it is wise to determine your stance on permitting trampolines on your property promptly and to convey this explicitly to your tenant within the lease documents.
Should you need help managing tenants or preparing lease agreements for items like trampolines, hire a trusted Coloma property manager like Real Property Management Instant Equity (SW Michigan). We aim to create a more seamless experience for you and your tenants. Contact us online or at 269-210-3771 today.
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