We advise that any group holding an activity at your church provide evidence of insurance with a certificate of liability. In addition, an outside group using Church property should typically be a nonprofit organization (e.g. Boy Scouts, AA, etc.)
For groups leasing space from the church:
- The group should name the church as an additional insured on their insurance policy
- Leases should include a “hold harmless provision” between the two parties
- Your church and the group should create an agreement regarding maintenance and housekeeping responsibilities, along with noting any restrictions and hazards
- Your church should complete a safety checklist before leasing your property
- Your church should check with your diocese regarding approval for leases over one year
For more information, please review our Tips for Hosting Outside Groups.