Trampolines and Swimming Pools and Insurance, Oh My!

[Elaine Lam]

We recently closed on a rental property with an existing tenant.  The insurance company just sent notice that they will cancel the policy due to a trampoline next to the house unless we sign a trampoline liability exclusion form.  The trampoline is on a vacant lot next to our property (the lot is not ours but is maintained by a neighbor).  I am still confirming details with property management and the insurance agent on what options we have as we do not want to sign away any liability coverage.  Even though it is not on our property the insurance company refuses to reinstate with out the trampoline removed or a liability waiver signed.  The property manager said the tenants stated they "cannot take it down" and asked if they could get coverage through renter's insurance.  I do believe the trampoline is the tenants' (awaiting confirmation).

Overall my goal is to:

1. Add some sort of clause to the lease addressing a) no trampoline or above ground pools allowed or b) if such a thing is present, owners are not liable and any liability is to be covered by the renter's insurance policy with coverage limits of $X.

2. Have the renters get renter's insurance to cover any trampoline related incidences (or any other injuries?)

3. Avoid liability risk.  If we can't be adequately covered by the renter's insurance and the trampoline absolutely needs to go, the tenants can go with it.  I need to review the current lease to see if/how they can be evicted for noncompliance of this safety request.

There was one other helpful thread from 3 years ago but with limited info, so I wanted to reach out to the BP community to see what updated thoughts/experience/advice there may be on this situation.  Thanks!

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Elaine Lam:

We recently closed on a rental property with an existing tenant.  The insurance company just sent notice that they will cancel the policy due to a trampoline next to the house unless we sign a trampoline liability exclusion form.  The trampoline is on a vacant lot next to our property (the lot is not ours but is maintained by a neighbor).  I am still confirming details with property management and the insurance agent on what options we have as we do not want to sign away any liability coverage.  Even though it is not on our property the insurance company refuses to reinstate with out the trampoline removed or a liability waiver signed.  The property manager said the tenants stated they "cannot take it down" and asked if they could get coverage through renter's insurance.  I do believe the trampoline is the tenants' (awaiting confirmation).

Overall my goal is to:

1. Add some sort of clause to the lease addressing a) no trampoline or above ground pools allowed or b) if such a thing is present, owners are not liable and any liability is to be covered by the renter's insurance policy with coverage limits of $X.

2. Have the renters get renter's insurance to cover any trampoline related incidences (or any other injuries?)

3. Avoid liability risk.  If we can't be adequately covered by the renter's insurance and the trampoline absolutely needs to go, the tenants can go with it.  I need to review the current lease to see if/how they can be evicted for noncompliance of this safety request.

There was one other helpful thread from 3 years ago but with limited info, so I wanted to reach out to the BP community to see what updated thoughts/experience/advice there may be on this situation.  Thanks!

 Yes you should have a no trampoline and no pool clause in your lease. That handles things going forward. As for this specific situation have you explained to the insurance company that the trampoline is not on your property? I'd imagine the insurance inspector didn't realize that.