Do You Own a Rental House With A Pool? Here’s What You Need To Know Before Renting It

A rental house with an indoor pool is the ultimate rental property amenity. It not only adds a little something special to your rental house but also increases the value of your house by 5 to 8 percent. Furthermore, houses for rent with a pool attract more tenants, maximizing your ROI.

4 Things You Need To Consider To Rent House With A Pool

A rental house with a pool adds to the risk of being sued or landing in financial trouble for landlords if they don’t follow the county laws. Here are a few things to consider to avoid getting into any legal trouble.

1. Property Owners’ Liability

CDC report states that drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4, and it’s the 5th leading cause of death by accidental injury for people of all ages. That said, houses for rent with a pool come with their own set of liabilities for the landlord. 

Whether a long-term vacation or a short-term rental, the monetary obligations usually fall on the landlord when it comes to pool safety. The property owners must maintain common areas to keep their property safe for the residents. They must abide by pool safety legislation and install required safety barriers if their city or municipality mandates it. But, if not required by state or local law, parents of young children may still want to have a pool safety fence or cover installed.

2. Insurance Requirements

When renting a house with a pool, you likely need liability insurance, maybe at least $1 million. How much coverage you need depends on your location, the type of pool you have, and safety measures you have in place, like fences and pool covers, which could influence the rate you’ll pay. A professional can make sure you have the coverage you need.

3. Local Fence Laws: Rules & Regulations

Property owners must stay compliant with county-specific pool laws. It is not only essential to safety but for your insurance policy too. Since pool fence laws can vary widely from county to county, it’s vital to check for county-specific laws for the required height and specifications of the barrier. For example, Prince George’s County law states that fences around swimming pools must be at least 6 ft high, but Anne Arundel County requires swimming pool fences to be at least 4 ft tall, and those fences must comply with the local building code.

4. Lease Addendum

Add a swimming pool addendum to the lease agreement to safeguard your interests as a landlord and educate tenants on their swimming pool responsibilities and applicable rules and restrictions. Here are a few things you can include in a swimming pool addendum:-

• Tenants may use the swimming pool area at their own risk, and the landlord is not responsible for injuries sustained by tenants, guests, or occupants of the property.
• If a repair is required, tenants must notify the landlord immediately.
• The property owner must define which pool maintenance tasks apply to which party so there is no confusion.
• Tenants must use the swimming pool in compliance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The safety fence around the swimming pool must remain secure and the gate locked. 

Ways for Landlords to Ease Pool Liability Concerns

We’ve understood very clearly that pools are not all fun and games, especially for the landlords. Hence we’ve come up with a few considerations that can help you ease your liabilities as a landlord:-

• Provide tenants with a pool safety brochure/sheet as a part of the welcome package. It’s a great way to show that you care about their well-being while educating them on ways to stay safe.
• Spell out who’s responsible for the maintenance. Here are some of the pool’s upkeep & maintenance tasks for tenants and landlords:
  • Skim & remove debris from the surface and bottom of the pool.
  • Check and clean the filters as needed.
  • Test and maintain chlorine levels or salt levels.
  • Check and adjust the water level as needed.
  • Test for water hardness, pH, and dissolved solids, and add chemicals at least once per month.
  • Inspect the pool to make sure it’s in good shape. 
  • Check the operation of the motor pump to ensure it’s operating efficiently.

Protect Your Rental Property With Beach Front 

Renting a property with a pool can be risky, but it may be worth the added property value.  But landlords must adhere to swimming pool laws, handle maintenance tasks, and keep tenants safe. Indeed, navigating local laws and ensuring the lease legally covers all legal matters is a daunting task.

This is where professional property management can help! Beach Front Property Management handles the lease, coordinates maintenance, and helps owners maintain a legally compliant rental property in all aspects. So, if you are looking for a hassle-free way to get the most out of your investment property, we are just a click away!