How to use a Private Apartment Pool Without Being a Resident

If you don't want to be the one who is hauled off to jail for something like: trespassing, participating in wreck-less behavior while on private property, or some other incident, then you will need to know what the rules are when it comes to using an apartment communities facilities--that is if management or property owners let you. Most company staff will tell you that the amenities are for residents only, but there are some exceptions.

1. Do you know someone who lives in the building? A resident and his or her guest can use the pool and walk on the grounds usually as long as this person is escorted around the party.

2. Do you know management or the owner? Check with the staff first, make a phone call, and get something in writing that says you have permission to use the pool.

3. Were you a previous resident? Sometimes, depending on the landlord's relationship with the guest and the tenant history, he might make an exception.

However, for those who have no connection to management, no paperwork, and no agreement as a past leaseholder to use the facility, most likely you will not be welcome. It is always best to check with the leasing office, property manager or a resident living on the property first to avoid any future run-ins with the police.

For many apartment communities pool passes do exist; however, they are usually issued to residents only. However, sometimes non-residents will manage to find a way to obtain a property management's pool pass and use it at will. If this is done, it is considered illegal and the one using it may be in some serious trouble. So ask the leasing office or property owner about their stipulations for using a pool pass before trying to use it.

Let's say a maintenance worker or security officer patrolling the property noticed that you were using the pool, but unfortunately you got hurt trying to dive and hurt your foot. One of the first things they are going to ask is of course how you are, but they are also going to ask you for some form of ID or a pool pass. Now if you can't come up with either, you might have a problem on your hands. There is a database in the leasing office of every resident and his or her occupants living on the property, if they discover your name doesn't exist and no one can claim you as a guest, more trouble for you. The company purposely issues pool passes, log sheets, or other similar things, because they don't want their facility being used by the public, nor do they want over-crowding. The amenities are for the enjoyment of those who are paying residents.

Companies don't want to be sued in case one is injured on their property. So when the resident moves in, he or she most likely saw something like a sign, was advised about the use of the amenities, and signed a lease or an additional agreement that said something like, the amenities are available to you to use at your own risk, the management company assumes no responsibility if you should get injured while using the equipment. Of course, a person who trespasses isn't aware of the contract, but he or she is also not permitted to be on the property either.