Tenant has a job as a BABY SITTER in the Rental Unit

[Eric Robert]

I have a WONDERFUL Tenant who has been with me for years in a Duplex in Los Angeles County. Rent is always on time and I have zero problems with her. I hope she stays for as long as I have the rental unit.

Recently, I have discovered that she earns extra money by "Baby Sitting" 2-3 kids, ages 2-5 years old. There has never been a problem and she is not advertising herself as a business or center for children. The kids are from families that she has a previous relationship with.

Questions:
1. Should I take any precaution steps in the Lease to address this "extra job"?

2. Do I need to increase any insurance in case a child gets hurt when in my property?
3. Am I liable if a child is hurt during Baby Sitting?

Any advice or guidelines would help. Thanks a bunch!

[Jerry W.]

@Eric Robert, do you have trouble sleeping at night?  Do you have bouts of unexplained anxiety?  I am trying not to make light of a problem you are serious about, but baby sitting is not like raising pit bulls.  Everyone of us were kids at one time, and everyone of us had someone other than our parents watch us at one time.  Why would you risk losing a great tenant?  True it is possible you could be sued, it is possible aliens could abduct you, it is possible your next tenant will turn out to be horrible.  I do not see any major change in your liability.  Houses that are safe for adults may not be safe for very young children but the adults are required to supervise them.  I would have absolutely no heart burn over a good tenant of mine doing babysitting for extra money.  It is different if the activity results in loud offensive noise or damage to your property, but that does not appear to be the case.  At the end of the day it is your peace of mind, but I see no problem.