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Porch Swings, Tree Swings, and Hammocks: Should You Allow Them on Your Rental Property?

The appeal of a swing or a hammock is irresistible. Whether it’s spending a lazy afternoon on a porch swing or in a hammock or swinging through the air on a tree swing, various sorts of swings have an exceptional charm. Yet, as an Emeryville rental property owner, is it advisable to permit porch swings, tree swings, and hammocks on your property? Although swings and hammocks might be appealing for tenants, they also come with risks. It is a good idea to assess all possible outcomes before installing or approving a swing or hammock.

Porch Swings

Porch swings are a popular house accessory, at least in theory. While it’s true that a porch swing can be a nice location to spend time, meet friends, and relax, it can also quickly become a safety hazard. When a porch swing is correctly installed and utilized carefully, it is relatively safe. However, with time, the structural support a swing needs may deteriorate, causing the swing to topple.

It can also be easy for young children to hurt themselves on the swing, whether by falling off or being hit with it when it’s being used. Finally, since they are exposed to the elements, porch swings may start to splinter or crack – mostly if they are not properly maintained.

Tree Swings

Tree swings differ from swing sets in many aspects, but the most significant of which is the height of the rope. Unlike swing sets, which are relatively close to the ground, a tree swing is often longer and can propel a person higher into the air. Although this is part of the fun, it is also quite dangerous should anyone fall off.

The injuries caused by tree swings are commonly far worse than those from other types of falls. Tree swings also damage trees, sometimes leaving the tree exposed to pests and the elements that will, over time, kill the entire tree.

Hammocks

Identical to tree swings, hammocks also pose the risk of hurting trees. But hammocks are also usually recognized to be safer than a tree swing since they are closer to the ground. Hammocks are appealing among renters, homeowners, campers, and hikers since they are lightweight and uncomplicated to store. They can be set up and taken down quite fast and give a nice place to sleep or nap any time of the day or night.

The hammocks come in a variety of styles, such as ones with a freestanding frame. Of course, hammocks also come with a risk of accident and injury, and like any swing, they can be a considerable hazard if not used properly.

Swing Sets

The subject of swings and the risks involved naturally lead to children’s swing sets. Even though all swings do carry the risk of injury, a well-constructed swing set is maybe the safest of all kinds of swings. Not only are sturdy swing sets designed to hold up under some rough treatment, but they are also firmly anchored and close to the ground.

Whether you or your tenant is thinking about adding a swing or hammock to your rental property, the final decision is totally up to you. Yet, by understanding the risks and rewards of each type, you can more confidently make that decision when the time comes.

 

Surely, not all decisions are easy to make, even when you have a lot of information to go on. Contact the experts at Real Property Management Pacific if you find yourself stuck or not knowing the right thing to do. Our Emeryville property managers can help you choose what is best for your property and condition and provide you with the advice and guidance you need to make owning rental properties a pleasure. Call us at 925-889-9174.

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