Renting out a bouncy castle is a fun and popular way to bring joy to birthday parties, school events, and community gatherings. But with that fun comes responsibility. As a lender, it's up to you to ensure your bouncy castle is safe to use and complies with UK safety regulations.
Are there specific rules for bouncy castles?
Yes. In the UK, bouncy castles must comply with product safety laws under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005. This means:
The bouncy castle must be designed for commercial use, not home use.
It must meet relevant safety standards.
It must be in good condition before every rental.
It must be properly installed.
Clear instructions must be given to the person renting it.
Note for public events:
If the bouncy castle is used at a public event, like a school fair or community day, additional requirements may apply under local authority rules or the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER). Check with the event organiser or council if you're unsure.
Home-use bouncy castles are not allowed
Bouncy castles designed for home use cannot be rented out. These are typically CE-marked as toys and:
Are not built for repeated or heavy-duty use.
Lack proper anchoring systems and safety features.
Do not come with the required documentation.
Only rent out commercial-grade bouncy castles that are certified for hire.
The applicable safety standard: BS EN 14960-1:2019
In the UK, the relevant standard for inflatable play equipment like bouncy castles is BS EN 14960-1:2019. This standard includes requirements such as:
At least 6 anchorage points to secure the castle.
Clear signage showing max weight, user numbers, and adult supervision rules.
Daily visual checks and annual inspections by a competent person.
Full documentation, including:
User manual
CE marking
Risk assessment
As the person renting it out, you are responsible for ensuring the equipment complies and can be properly documented.
Safety checklist before every rental
Is your bouncy castle made for commercial use and built to BS EN 14960-1:2019?
Do you have the necessary documentation (manual, CE mark, risk assessment)?
Have you carried out a full check before rental (no tears, secure fan, anchoring)?
Do you give borrowers clear instructions about:
How to set up and anchor it?
Wind limits and when not to use it?
Supervision requirements?
What to do in case of issues or emergencies?
Has your castle been inspected in the last 12 months?
Tips for safe and smooth rentals
Include a safety instruction sheet with every rental.
Take photos and complete a checklist for each hire to document condition.
Be clear in your listing that the bouncy castle is certified for commercial hire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out the bouncy castle I bought for my kids at home?
No. Home-use castles are not suitable or legal to rent out. Only commercial-grade castles designed for frequent and public use are allowed.
What happens if something goes wrong during the rental?
As the lender, you are responsible for safety. Follow the checklist above and always provide clear, written instructions.