It depends on a few factors. The answer to the 3 questions in this post will give you a good idea of if a tenant can put up a pool.
- What does your local government say about residential pools?
- What does your lease say about tenants installing a pool?
- Has this been discussed between the tenant and landlord?
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Check your local government
The rules and laws created by your local government are “king”. I would recommend checking with them first to see if putting up a pool is allowed in your area. The answer you receive will change based on where you’re located. For example, if you’re located in an area with drought – your local government may have placed restrictions on putting up a pool due to the water usage required to use it.
Check your lease
If your local government doesn’t have any restrictions on putting up a pool, the next place to check would be your lease. The lease will specify all the rules and guidelines that the tenant needs to follow.
There are three potential outcomes after checking your lease:
- The lease says pools are not allowed.
- The lease says pools are allowed.
- The lease says nothing about pools at all.
The first two options are straightforward. The third option puts you in a gray area and, in situations like this, I recommend talking to your landlord or tenant first.
Talk with your landlord or tenant
I believe there’s a relationship problem between tenants and landlords in America. Most people underestimate the power of having a genuine conversation (or maybe they just don’t want to), especially when it involves tenants and landlords.
A straightforward conversation can lead to clarity on any “gray” areas of the lease which prevents disagreements and arguments in the future.
In addition to clarity, another benefit of talking with your landlord or tenant is that there may be things on the lease that can be amended (situation-depending, of course).
As a landlord for over 3 years now (maybe longer depending on when you’re reading this) – talking to my tenants respectfully and honestly has always solved any potential “issues” that weren’t covered in the lease.
Maybe I’ve been lucky to have reasonable tenants but I’d still recommend trying to talk with your tenant or landlord first.
