Should rent my home that has a pool?

Question

I am a newbie to Real Estate investing in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area and wondering if I should rent my home which has a pool. If someone has been successfully renting a single family home with a pool I would greatly appreciate any advice.

Kurt Brauner · Answer

I have turned a few of my primary residence that had pools into rentals. A few things that I have learned from my experience (all outlined in my lease with the tenant):

1. Require tenant to carry renters insurance with liability rider on the pool.

2. Require a weekly pool service paid by tenant. The provider that I make the tenant use provides me with pictures of the pool and equipment on a weekly basis.

3. I have converted all my pools to an automated system that only can be controlled by the provider (pool pump & Chlorinator)

4. Umbrella coverage on the property with a pool.

Thomas S. · Answer

Liability issues are extreme in regards to rentals with pools. You need to check with your insurance carrier and let them know it will be a rental. No smart investor would buy a property a pool for a rental. As pointed out you will need someone to do the pool maintenance …..definatly can not rely on tenants

If someone drowns don't be surprised if you get sued.

Heath Ryans · Answer

@Allen Land it's just an extra expense you will have to account for. My lease states that tenants will be responsible for maintaining pools if present. But that's putting a whole lot of faith in a tenant. Everyone likes to say they have a pool but no one wants to maintain it. So it could be a plus if its a norm in your area. If not, it could go either way. Point being, just be ready to dump money into it in between tenants.

Allen Land · Answer

Thanks to all who replied with some great advice! I can definitely use it to make an informed decision.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

You have some good advice. There is definitely a liability issue but just make sure you are covered and require your tenant to be covered. You also have to consider the fact that some tenants may not maintain it properly. I would either hire a pool service and increase the rent to cover it or leave some very clear instructions for the tenant to follow and some very stiff penalties if they fail.

Should rent my home that has a pool?

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