A swimming pool can be a great addition to your rental property. Tenants can host events near the poolside area, invite friends over for some barbecue or just have a dip during sunny days. It even adds value to your rental property. As a landlord, you have to consider certain risks and liabilities involved should you decide to add a swimming pool to your property.
Ensure Security and Safety
Before you decide on adding a pool, the security and safety of your tenants should come first. Before they move in to your unit, hand them a brochure that enlists all the safety guidelines in the swimming pool. Adults should accompany kids when going on swimming. It's also good to hire a lifeguard to ensure safety. Proper swimwear should also be observed, encourage kids to wear a life vest or a floater. A pool for kids is even better so the water is not so deep.
As a landlord, it is also your responsibility that there is no damage parts or areas in the pool that can cause accidents. You might be held liable for not properly maintaining the pool. Always make sure that it's safe for you tenants to prevent accident.
Secure a Homeowner's Insurance with Swimming Pool Liability
Most of the landlords already have homeowner's insurance but if you consider adding a swimming pool for your rental units, you may want to consider adding an insurance that covers certain damage to swimming pool accidents. You can contact your insurance provider for advice to help you secure the right coverage.
Check and Adhere With Your Local Laws
Each local laws differ depending on which country or state you are in. Certain state requires a fence with specific measurement while some are different. Check other swimming pool local laws as well such as posting warning signs, alarm and other set-back requirements.
Add a Swimming Pool Addendum
A swimming pool addendum is then part of the rental and lease agreement. The addendum is a specific agreement that specifies all the rules and responsibilities of the tenant and the landlord regarding the use of the swimming pool. This is a form of waiver that must be agreed to and signed by the tenant. Once the tenant agrees and signs to it, the landlord should secure a copy of it so he can cross reference it in the future.
The addendum contains the following:
Date: (date of lease)
Landlord: (landlord name)
Tenant: (name of each tenant on property)
Address of Leased Premises: (address of property)
- The tenant is responsible for keeping the swimming pool clean and safe
- Tenant is responsible for keeping all the barriers locked and secure to prevent unauthorized access from outsiders.
- The tenant should not make changes or repairs or of any electrical wiring. The landlord has the right to access the swimming pool area for general maintenance of the pool area.
- Tenant must immediately notify the landlord of any required repairs. The tenant is responsible to cover the cost of repairs due to tenant's negligence.
- The tenant must use the swimming pool in accordance to the manufacturer.
- No pets are permitted in the swimming pool area.
If the tenant violates any of these rules, the landlord has the right to take legal actions or terminate the lease agreement or make negotiations with the tenant depending on the severity of the case.
Adding a swimming pool can be a good addition to your rental property as long as you adhere to your local laws, manage the maintenance and able to keep your tenants well informed of security measures.
If you find it too complicated to manage, you can hire a professional property management company to carry out this task and several other tasks relating to managing your properties.
