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: 

• • Hang indoor decorations in a manner that won’t dent, mark, or otherwise injure walls, window frames, mantels, etc. 

• • Avoid hanging outdoor lights directly on roofing or gutters. 

• • Steer clear of lawn decorations that might damage the grass or sprinkler system. 

• • Be respectful of neighbors in choosing and placing décor.  

Better alternatives: 

• • Adhesives such as Command strips or Washi tape are easy to remove when it’s time to un- “deck the halls.” 

• • Paper embellishments or holiday cards are light and easier to hang than something requiring a nail or thumbtack.

• • Outdoor light hooks are a great scratch-free option for stringing lights. 

• • 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: 

• • Be cautious and follow all manufacturer instructions when using ladders.

• • Never overload outlets, and ensure all cords are in good working condition.

• • Check lights for broken bulbs and only string lights in their intended location (i.e., indoor lights shouldn’t be used outdoors). 

• • Avoid lighting candles, especially near curtains or other flammable materials. 

• • Frequently water fresh trees and keep trees away from radiators, outlets, fireplaces, or anything that emits heat. 

Better alternatives: 

• • Flameless candles provide a warm glow and can be placed anywhere. 

• • Air fresheners or diffusers circulate comforting scents like pine or cinnamon without the hazard of an open flame. 

• • 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.