Is it Illegal to Lease a House With an Empty Pool?

Leasing a house with an empty pool could be costly.

It's an Enhancement

A pool is considered an enhancement to a property, increasing it's value both for sale and for rent. Having a pool in a home to rent will enable a landlord to ask for more rent than what he would be able to get for a property without a pool.

Potential Damage

It is possible that leaving a pool empty without proper precautions can cause damage to a property or cause a tenant injury. In this case, the lease must be strictly worded to waive landlord liability. However, if there is negligence involved, no lease will defend that.

Bottom Line

While no lease agreement will state it is illegal for a property with an empty pool to be rented out, the landlord could be held responsible for damage to the pool or tenants by leaving the pool empty and unattended for any period of time.

References

• The Free Dictionary: Lease
• The Electric Law Library: Residential Lease Agreement
• Ask Alan A Question: FAQ