Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Bounce House

Renting a bounce house seems simple enough—find one you like, book it, and let the kids go wild. But if you’re not careful, a few small oversights can lead to big headaches on party day.

At Bouncey, we help take the stress out of bounce house rentals by doing the legwork for you—so you don’t have to worry about surprise fees or sketchy setups. To make sure your party goes off without a hitch, here are the top 5 mistakes people make when renting a bounce house (and how you can avoid them):

1. Booking Too Late

The best bounce houses—especially the themed or larger ones—get scooped up fast, especially during spring and summer weekends. If you wait until the last minute, your options will be limited, or worse, completely booked out.

Pro tip: Try to book your bounce house at least 2–3 weeks in advance. For holiday weekends or big birthdays, even earlier.

2. Not Checking the Space Requirements

It’s easy to underestimate how much room a bounce house actually needs. You’ll want to consider not only the footprint of the unit but also the clearance around it, including height.

Pro tip: Measure your setup area before booking and double-check with the provider that your space works. We’ll help confirm all of that for you.

3. Ignoring Safety and Insurance

Not all bounce house rental companies are created equal. Some may cut corners—no insurance, old equipment, or improper setup. That’s a liability waiting to happen.

Pro tip: Only rent from fully insured, vetted providers. Bouncey only works with partners who meet our strict safety standards—no exceptions.

4. Forgetting About Weather Plans

Bounce houses and storms do not mix. Wind and rain can quickly turn fun into danger, and not all providers offer flexible cancellation options.

Pro tip: Always ask about the weather cancellation policy. Many of the providers we work with offer rain checks or free reschedules.

5. Getting Hit with Hidden Fees

You thought it was $250... until taxes, delivery, setup, and cleaning fees got added on. Suddenly it’s $375. Not cool.

Pro tip: At Bouncey, we don’t charge you extra. The price you see is the price you pay. We believe in transparent pricing—no surprises.

Final Thoughts

Renting a bounce house should be the easiest part of planning your event. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll save yourself time, money, and stress—and ensure your party is one the kids (and parents) will rave about.

Ready to find the perfect bounce house?