It’s impossible to deny the appeal of a swing or a hammock. Whether it’s spending a lazy afternoon on a porch swing or in a hammock or swinging through the air on a tree swing, different types of swings hold an undoubtable charm. However, as a Semmes rental property owner, is it reasonable to allow porch swings, tree swings, and hammocks on your property? While swings and hammocks can be a huge incentive for tenants, they also come with risks. Before installing or approving a swing or hammock, it’s important to consider all possible outcomes.
Porch Swings
Porch swings are one element in a home that many people enjoy – at least in theory. While it’s true that a porch swing can be a nice setting to hang around, welcome neighbors, and relax, it can also quickly turn into a safety hazard. It is relatively safe when a porch swing is correctly installed and used correctly. But after some time, the structural support a swing needs may lessen, causing the swing to fall.
It can also be easy for young children to hurt themselves on the swing, whether by falling off or being hit with it while it’s operating. Lastly, because they are exposed to the elements, porch swings may tend to splinter or crack – primarily if they are not properly maintained.
Tree Swings
Tree swings are different from swing sets in multiple ways, but the most important is the length of the rope. In contrast to swing sets, which are relatively close to the ground, a tree swing is often longer and can propel a person higher into the air. While this is part of the charm, it is also incredibly dangerous should anyone fall off.
The injuries caused by tree swings are often far more dangerous than those from other forms 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 carry the potential of breaking trees. However, hammocks are also often considered to be safer than a tree swing since they are closer to the ground. Hammocks are attractive among renters, homeowners, campers, and hikers since they are lightweight and uncomplicated to store. They can be set up and taken down relatively quickly and provide a comfortable place to sleep or nap any time of the day or night.
There are many versions of hammocks, including ones with a freestanding frame. Of course, hammocks also come with a possibility of accident and injury, and like any swing, they can be a serious hazard if not handled responsibly.
Swing Sets
The issue of swings and the risks involved certainly lead to children’s swing sets. While all swings do carry the risk of injury, an appropriately constructed swing set is certainly the safest of all styles 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 completely up to you. However, by understanding the risks and rewards of each type, you can more comfortably make that decision when the time comes.
Of course, not all decisions are easy to make, even after you have good information to go on. Contact the experts at Real Property Management Azalea City if you find yourself stuck or not knowing the right thing to do. Our Semmes property managers can help you determine what is best for your property and situation and give you the advice and guidance you need to make owning rental properties a pleasure. Call us at 251-345-6224.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
