The holiday season brings so much cheer, goodwill, and nostalgia. Even driving down the street feels more festive with reindeer, snowmen, icicles, and more adorning yards and storefronts. But as a rental property owner, the prospect of holiday trimmings can be stress-inducing if you fear that you and your tenant may have very different ideas about appropriate décor.
The best way to minimize conflicts is to have a written policy specifying what decorating methods are acceptable on your property. If such instructions are already covered in your lease, the holidays might be an ideal time to send tenants a friendly reminder.
Regardless of how your guidelines are communicated, here are some suggestions for topics to cover:
Minimize property damage
If touching up paint and filling nail holes makes you cringe, make clear that décor must be attached using non-harmful methods and suggest alternative ways to liven up the space. To prevent property damage, tenants should:
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- Hang indoor decorations in a manner that won’t dent, mark, or otherwise injure walls, window frames, mantels, etc.
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- Avoid hanging outdoor lights directly on roofing or gutters.
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- Steer clear of lawn decorations that might damage the grass or sprinkler system.
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- Be respectful of neighbors in choosing and placing décor.
Better alternatives:
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- Adhesives such as Command strips or Washi tape are easy to remove when it’s time to un- “deck the halls.”
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- Paper embellishments or holiday cards are light and easier to hang than something requiring a nail or thumbtack.
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- Outdoor light hooks are a great scratch-free option for stringing lights.
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- Window clings add a fun, festive look to windows and glass doors and are easy to remove with little to no residue.
Avoid safety concerns
Beyond the surface-level risks to your property, a tenant’s desire to create a holiday ambiance can raise safety concerns. To keep themselves and your property safe, tenants should:
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- Be cautious and follow all manufacturer instructions when using ladders.
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- Never overload outlets, and ensure all cords are in good working condition.
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- Check lights for broken bulbs and only string lights in their intended location (i.e., indoor lights shouldn’t be used outdoors).
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- Avoid lighting candles, especially near curtains or other flammable materials.
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- Frequently water fresh trees and keep trees away from radiators, outlets, fireplaces, or anything that emits heat.
Better alternatives:
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- Flameless candles provide a warm glow and can be placed anywhere.
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- Air fresheners or diffusers circulate comforting scents like pine or cinnamon without the hazard of an open flame.
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- Laser lights come in a variety of colors and designs and don’t require a ladder to install.
Whatever guidelines are applicable for your rental property, ensure they are non-discriminatory and center around safety and keeping the property in good condition. Remember to inform tenants if any additional standards apply, such as rules from a homeowners’ association. Balancing your need to minimize repairs with your tenant’s wish to make the space feel like home will create a welcoming atmosphere and allow you both to enjoy the holiday season fully.
About Rentals America
Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential rental properties. Our team is dedicated to property management, and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market.
