What Do You Forbid Your Tenants To Bring To Your Property (vicious Dogs, Other Pets Etc)
I definately won't allow a tenant to have a pet which is commonly considered dangerous like a pit bull or a rottweiller but what other things should I forbid due to the potential liability and damage to the property?
Hey,
1) Puppies
2) Waterbeds
Realistically, it is very difficult to enforce bans.
Unregistered cars
Large commerical vehicles
And everything that's already been mentioned. Otherwise, it's all on a case by case basis.
Trampolines is the answer I was looking for...Suekosatalas you are the winner. There is no prize but trampolines was the reason for my asking. I have had 2 propspective tenants ask if I would permit them and I have not given a straight answer but a "... most likely not. I'll have to check on that."
What do you think about swing sets? Had someone ask about them too.
Hey,
Trampolines?????
Those are the things the kids jump on...righ?
I most be missing it...what is the problem with trampolines???
Hey,
Despite not being the orginal poster, that is what I thought the answer was going to be.
Unless the landlord installed the trampoline, a landlord has NO liability. Georgia Law is very specfic about this issue.
Using this logic (ban anything that COULD hurt someone), you would have to ban ladders, rakes, chainsaws, knives, axes and the list goes on.
Also, by banning what is primarily a CHILD's toy, you could be accused of illegally discriminating against families with children.
I go through the same debate in my head every time I get asked something of this nature by a tenant. But I guess there's a magical line between things that are okay, and others that if allowed, could be considered negligence on the part of the landlord. It's sort of the same reasoning behind why some landlords don't allow certain breeds of dogs.
As for disciminating against families with children, I think that unless they've adopted the trampoline as a legal member of the family, you should probably be okay.
Hmmm...
With this thinking, I better not ask the tenant (an accountable human being in a free country) to clean the gutters, shovel the snow, mow the grass, etc.
The difference w/pit bulls is that
1. they cross property lines
2. they injure others
3. pets are controlled by landlords historically
I draw a hardline when it comes to weapons of mass destruction, call me crazy...
Above ground Swimming pools, dogs and cats (unless they pay extra), DRUGS.
In some States, insurance companies ask if there is a trampoline when they make the policy, and they don't like hearing that one is later placed there without their consent.
[addsig]
Agree:
The insurance guidelines are up to date on issues not worth the risk. They know where we are historically with risk issues. And why take a risk unless you have to.
I admit, I rebel against lack of accountability for free choice. I mean, lead paint is one thing, mildew is another. And...gutters are high, snow is slippery, mowers are sharp. Scary thinking to feel like I am accountable for my tenants reasonableness, or lack thereof.
Ok, down from the soapbox...
I said trampolines because of insurance reasons.
as for the swing sets, one of the properties I just purchased had what I'll call monkey bars cemented into the ground. I had my son go in and cut them off to the ground the night before settlement. I didn't want all the neighborhood kids in the yard and wasn't going to be responsible for some parents not watching where their kids were.
Insurance companies call things like this (and old refrigerators) an 'attractive nuisance'
Hey,
I think we are confusing our personal houses with rental houses.
I don't want a trampoline or monkey bars over concrete at MY house. I don't want MY children getting hurt. And I am responsible for any accidents that happen at MY house.
I have NONE of this liability on a rental house, unless I installed and do not MAINTAIN an item.
The tenant's insurance policy might mention trampolines, but my landlord insurance does not.
What about huge fish tanks? I had a situation with a tenant that had a 100 gallon tank that started leaking. By the time we got a call and were able to address the issue there were 20 gallons of smelly water sitting in the living room of the tenant that lived below. Guess what? I no longer allow fish tanks or waterbeds. Have others had similar experience?
[ Edited by 3qu1ty on Date 11/03/2004 ][ Edited by 3qu1ty on Date 11/03/2004 ]
unregistered auto. autos that don't run...km