Having a pool on a rental property can be a great amenity for tenants, but it also comes with additional responsibilities for landlords. Here are 8 things a landlord should keep in mind when renting a house with a pool:
1. Safety Regulations:
Make sure the pool and surrounding area comply with all local and state safety regulations. This includes having a fence around the pool, having proper pool signs, and having adequate pool lighting.
2. Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is importantl for keeping the pool safe and functioning properly. This includes cleaning the pool, checking the chemistry levels, and maintaining the equipment. Consider hiring a professional pool company to handle the maintenance weekly. Since 2020, the cost of maintenance and chemicals for cleaning has almost doubled. Hiring professionals who perform this type of work all the time and can buy chemicals in bulk could save money in the long run (and save you the hassle of doing it yourself!)
3. Insurance:
Make sure you have adequate insurance coverage for the pool. This can include liability insurance in case of accidents or injury and insurance to cover damage to the pool itself. Every insurance company handles this differently and its important to make sure the right coverage has been added to your policy.
4. Pool Rules:
Clearly communicate pool rules to your tenants, such as no diving, no glass of any type near the pool, and pool hours. Consider having a written agreement or addendum to the lease to make sure everyone is on the same page.
5. Pool Equipment:
Make sure you have all the necessary pool equipment, such as a pool cover, pool skimmer, and pool vacuum. Create of list of daily procedures that must be done and which items can be handled weekly to ensure nothing is overlooked.
6. Emergency Procedures:
Make sure you have emergency procedures in place, such as how to handle a pool accident or what to do in case of a power outage. Make sure your tenants are aware of these procedures and have access to emergency equipment, such as a life jacket or a first aid kit.
7. Pool Access:
Make sure the pool area is accessible to your tenants but not easily accessible to anyone on the street. This may include providing a key or code for entry, or lifeguard staff who open and close the pool daily, while checking in residents. Have a written procedure for guests. Outline how many guests can each resident bring to the pool and identify what ages must be accompanied by an adult.
Communication:
Good communication is always needed with tenants. Encourage your tenants to reach out to you with any questions or concerns, and make sure you respond promptly especially if they report safety concerns.
If you have questions or would like to discuss full service property management for your investment property, give us a call at 443.252.3385 or email us at info@bluedoor-pm.com today!
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