Who's liable for a rooftop beehive? Straight answers for CRE teams.

When a beehive program comes up for approval, someone on the risk or legal side almost always asks the same question: if something goes wrong, who's on the hook?

It's a fair question. Here's what actually happens with a managed program.

Who holds the liability for the hives?

Alvéole does. In a managed program, our beekeepers install, inspect, and maintain every hive. The property owner isn't operating or maintaining anything. It's a service agreement, not an equipment lease, and the operational liability sits with us because the operational work does too.

Is Alvéole insured?

Yes. A Certificate of Insurance is available on request. Property teams can email compliance@alveole.buzz with the property name/address and the coverage details or specific wording their insurer requires, and Alvéole issues the COI directly.

What if a tenant or visitor gets stung?

Prevention comes first: your beekeeper places the hive away from busy foot traffic, we recommend a simple perimeter (fencing, railing, or a natural barrier) to mark the space, and every program includes educational signage explaining how to coexist calmly with the bees.

Stings aren't common, and when one does happen, there's a defined process rather than a scramble. Basic first aid is applied on the spot, and if there's any sign of a severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, dizziness), emergency services are called immediately. Once things are stable, the incident is reported to Alvéole with who was affected, when, and the circumstances, so we can investigate and adjust site safety if needed.

What does the property owner actually sign?

A standard commercial service agreement with Alvéole: nothing unusual, and nothing that shifts hive-operations liability onto the property. Most legal teams find it reads like any other managed-service vendor contract once they compare it side by side.

What about tenants with bee allergies?

We can't make medical claims about individual risk, but placement and signage are designed to minimize incidental contact. If a tenant has a serious allergy concern, we're glad to work directly with them and property management on placement.

What happens if the program ends?

Alvéole removes the hives. Nothing stays on the property: no equipment, no infrastructure. Standard contract terms cover notice periods and off-season removal timing.

Want the specifics for your portfolio? Talk to our team →