Renting a property with a swimming pool can be considerable fun. However, it’s a huge responsibility. Besides upkeep, tenants and landlords might be possibly responsible in case of losses or an accident associated with the pool.
Both renters and owners have responsibilities for maintaining a safe pool environment and for heeding state laws surrounding pool safety. Tenants and landlords must know precisely what facets of pool safety they are responsible for. Here’s what you should know before renting a property with a pool.
Hazardous Conditions
In some states, for instance, California, the property owner has an obligation of reasonable care to ensure the property is safe. The property owner is responsible for any injuries caused by hazardous conditions that he should have identified or was aware of.
This implies that the property owner has a responsibility to take sensible precautions to avoid accidents. For instance, if state law requires a childproof fence around the swimming pool and the property owner didn’t install it, he might be liable in the event that a child sustains injuries.
A pool isn’t the type of amenity that you can simply set up and leave. It needs considerable maintenance. If proper maintenance doesn’t occur, the chlorine levels will decline, enabling algae to develop; this can become a health hazard for renters.
Pool Maintenance
The property owner must arrange for the pool’s inspection by a licensed and accredited safety inspector and given a safety certificate. The tenancy agreement must include the certificate. In addition, the landlord should ensure the swimming pool is gated and fenced to the required standard.
Moreover, he should make sure that children can’t use trees or fixed facilities such as bricked-in barbecues to climb over. Additionally, the property owner should facilitate immediate repair to any damage to the pool gate or fence.
If the property owner expects you to undertake certain pool maintenance duties, the tenancy agreement should outline these with precise instructions on how you should perform the tasks. The property owner must supply the essential equipment to sustain the pool, for instance, vacuums, pumps, scoops, and chlorinators.
Another responsibility of the landlord is undertaking structural pool repairs that are the outcome of poor installation or manufacture. Chlorinators and pool pumps that need replacement because of ordinary wear and tear and age are equally the landlord’s responsibility.
The water’s pH levels must be appropriately balanced at the start of every tenancy and this is the landlord’s responsibility as well.
Properly Functioning Fence
As a renter, you’re responsible for ensuring the fence surrounding the swimming pool is functioning properly. Additionally, you must ensure every family member, particularly children, are educated on water safety and know how to swim.
You should ensure the landlord has installed a pool fence, pool alarm, a gate with locks, and use a pool cover. The most important thing you can do if you’re residing in a rental with a swimming pool is supervise the pool’s use always and never leave children unattended when using it.
Final Thoughts
For a renter, a swimming pool is a desirable amenity that offers various benefits. However, you must consider various factors before renting a home with a pool.
For more information on renting a property with a pool, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a message.