Swimming pools are a major selling feature that many renters love. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2015 American Housing Survey, more than 50% of rental households in some Southern areas — like Dallas, Houston and Phoenix — have access to an outdoor pool on the property.
Here are seven things landlords should consider before renting a house with a pool .
Note: This guide is for informational purposes only. Zillow, Inc. does not make any guarantees about the sufficiency of the information in or linked to from this guide, or that it’s compliant with current, applicable or local laws. Landlord-tenant laws change rapidly and may be regulated at the federal, state and local levels. This resource is not a substitute for the advice or service of an attorney; you should not rely on this resource for any purpose without consulting with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.
While there are benefits to having a pool on your rental property, you also need to be aware of the potential hazards. Not just to your tenants, either: In some states, you can even be held liable if a neighbor or trespasser is harmed while using your pool. As a landlord, you are responsible for keeping your property safe and habitable — and that includes the pool. When it comes to tenants and swimming pools , you should be mindful of:
Without proper upkeep, pools can pose health risks. Over-chlorinated water can provoke asthma and cause lung, skin and eye irritation. If chlorine levels fall too low, algae and other organisms may develop. Test chlorine levels regularly and instruct your tenants to do the same.
Slick surfaces around a pool are a common cause of injury. “Caution” signs may help with awareness but won’t necessarily eliminate your liability. Whenever there’s an in-ground or above-ground pool on your rental property , a risk of slipping is always present.
Drowning is an especially high risk for toddlers and small children. Since renters with children value pools more than renters without (according to the Zillow Group Consumer Housing Trends Report 2019 survey data ), taking proper safety measures is essential.
As a landlord, you should take steps to ensure the pool is kept in safe condition. Inform your tenants of any problems, fix any problems that arise and provide tenants with safety instructions. Have tenants sign a pool waiver for your rental property , and if anything breaks, make sure to send (and save a copy of) a landlord letter to your tenant regarding repairs . Otherwise, in some states, you can be held liable for injuries related to the pool, specifically:
Applying proper safety measures is an important way to prevent accidents, injuries and potential liability. Here’s a list of safety measures you may want to take:
Install a fence around the pool. Surround the pool area with a fence that’s at least 4 feet tall and designed in a way that can’t be climbed. Self-closing and self-latching gates are a good idea too.
Cover the pool. A latching top or power safety cover is best. Make sure controls are out of reach of children, and include instructions in your lease or applicable pool addendum to keep the cover closed whenever the pool is not being used.
Place anti-entrapment safety covers on drains. Drains have powerful suction that can cause injury or death to children, adults and pets.
Post rule signs for pool use. Some rules to include are that children must be supervised, users must know how to swim, use at your own risk, etc. Ensure the rules are clearly posted around the pool area.
Keep rescue equipment near the pool. Life rings, rope and other safety equipment should be visible and easily accessible in case of an emergency.
We recommend having a legal professional supply or draft a swimming pool addendum for your rental agreement that clearly spells out all the rules. Some things to think about when having a pool addendum drafted:
You should also include who’s responsible for maintenance and upkeep, as well as terms around pets, who pays for damages, and what happens if tenants break the lease terms. A legal professional in your area will be able to customize your lease agreement to comply with local laws. Make sure all tenants read and sign a lease, including all related addenda like a pool liability waiver for your rental property, and keep a copy for your records.
Speak with your insurance agent to make sure you have appropriate coverage before renting a house with a pool . Appropriate coverage will vary depending on your location and insurance provider, but if you have an in ground or above ground pool on your rental property, you can expect to have a higher insurance premium than you would on a rental property without a pool. While requiring tenants to have renter insurance is a good idea, renter policies typically do not include coverage for a pool. You may need to post signs, build a fence, provide safety equipment and take other precautions for your insurance policy to be valid.
Renting out a house with a pool requires a lot of maintenance. Here are some of the regular tasks that need to be performed:
Depending on the terms of your lease agreement , landlords may be able to perform pool maintenance themselves, have the tenant do it or hire a pool-service company. Here are some pros and cons to consider about pool maintenance when renting:
Maintain it yourself: It will take up some of your time, and you should make sure to learn enough about your pool system to ensure everything is in proper working order, or get a pro to confirm.
Have your tenant perform maintenance: This may save you some time and money if everything is maintained correctly, but there’s a risk the tenant won’t keep up with routine maintenance.
Hire a pro: This is the most expensive route, but it’s often the best option — you can ask the professional for documentation that your pool is properly maintained should any issues arise. Make sure to check if they are properly licensed and insured to do the work.
One way to rent out a house with a pool and avoid the hassle of doing all the maintenance is to own a home or condo in an HOA community with access to a community pool. Some things to keep in mind:
When advertising a rental house with a pool, be mindful of fair housing laws. For example, you don’t want to imply that it’s a rental only for families with children. Your rental advertisement is also a good place to give a general description of who’s responsible for maintaining the pool and any use restrictions. With Zillow Rental Manager, you can create one listing that’s posted across the largest rental network, including Zillow, Trulia and HotPads.
These are just some of the basics of renting a house with a pool . We strongly recommend seeking professional legal advice and speaking with your insurance company before you rent a house with a pool . While most people don’t intend to be irresponsible and reckless, accidents can happen — and it’s up to you as the landlord to minimize the risk of injury and protect yourself and your investment.
