7 Things You Should Know Before Renting a Bounce House in Texas

In the Lone Star State, bounce houses (often called "moonwalks" here) are a staple of backyard birthdays and community events. However, the industry is regulated more strictly in Texas than in many other states. To ensure your event is safe and legal, here are the seven most important factors to check before you book, starting with how to vet the company.

1. Reviews (Quantity & Quality)

Before you look at prices or themes, look at the reputation. Because the barrier to entry for starting a rental business is low, "fly-by-night" operators are common.

• What to look for: Don’t just look at the star rating. Read the text of the reviews from the last 6 months.

• Key signals: Look for comments specifically mentioning cleanliness (did it smell like mildew?), punctuality (did they show up on time?), and condition (was it patched with duct tape?).

• The "Texas Factor": In Texas heat, a dirty bounce house can become a bacterial hazard quickly. Consistent praise for sanitized, dry equipment is a green flag.

2. Service Area

Texas is big, and delivery fees can add up fast. Most legitimate companies have a clearly defined service radius (usually by zip code or county).

• The "Radius" Rule: Many companies offer free delivery within 15–20 miles of their warehouse but charge significant fees per mile after that.

• Park Rentals: If you are hosting your party at a public park (like a City of Austin or Houston park), you must check if the company is an "approved vendor" for that specific municipality. Most cities will not allow a rental company on park property unless they are on an approved list that verifies their insurance and reliability.

3. Insurance & Inspections (The Law)

This is the most critical technical detail. Texas law (regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance, or TDI) classifies inflatables as "Class B Amusement Rides."

• The Requirement: To operate legally, a company must have a current $1,000,000 general liability insurance policy and an annual safety inspection by a state-approved inspector.

• The Sticker: A legal bounce house will have a TDI Compliance Sticker (similar to a car inspection sticker) visible on the blower or the unit itself.

• Verification: You can actually verify if a company is compliant on the TDI website. If a company cannot provide proof of insurance or their current TDI sticker, do not rent from them. You could be liable for injuries.

4. Safety & Anchoring

Improper anchoring is the leading cause of bounce house injuries.

• Surface Matters: You must tell the company exactly what surface the unit will sit on. In Texas, the ground can be hard clay or loose sand.

  • Grass: They should use heavy-duty stakes (18 inches or longer).

  • Concrete/Driveways: They must use heavy sandbags. Never allow a company to secure a bounce house with light weights or water jugs.

• The "Sizzling" Slide: In Texas summers, vinyl gets dangerously hot. Ask if the company provides units with sun shades or netting, or consider a wet/dry unit (water slide) for any event between May and September to prevent friction burns.

5. Weather Policy

Texas weather changes in a heartbeat. You need a company with a clear "Bad Weather" clause.

• Wind Limits: Most manufacturers forbid operation in winds over 15–20 mph. If it is a windy spring day in North Texas, a reputable company will cancel the rental for your safety.

• Rain/Lightning: Usually, if it is raining or lightning is detected within a certain radius, the unit must be deflated immediately.

• The Policy: Look for a company that allows you to cancel penalty-free (or move your deposit to a new date) if the weather is dangerous on the morning of the party. Avoid companies that demand full payment regardless of rain.

6. Deposit Required?

Standard practice for professional companies is to require a deposit (usually 20–50% of the total) to reserve the date.

• Red Flags: Be wary of companies that ask for 100% upfront weeks in advance, or companies that ask for no deposit at all (they are more likely to "no-show" if a better offer comes along).

• Refunds vs. Rain Checks: Clarify if the deposit is refundable or only transferable. Most reliable companies offer a "Rain Check" valid for one year if the event is cancelled due to weather.

7. Cancellation/Refund Policy

Life happens—kids get sick, and plans change. Read the fine print on voluntary cancellations.

• Timing: Most companies have a "safe window" (e.g., cancel at least 7 days in advance) to get a full refund.

• Day-of Cancellation: Once the driver leaves the warehouse or sets up the unit, you generally owe the full amount, even if it starts raining an hour later.

• Best Practice: Confirm the "cutoff time." Many companies will call you the morning of the event if the weather looks iffy to let you make the "go/no-go" decision before they load the truck.