As October rolls in, so does the start of the holiday decorating season. It begins with Halloween pumpkins and porch lights and carries through Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and beyond. For Seattle landlords, now is the perfect time to set clear expectations for tenant holiday decorations—before things get spooky, sparkly, or out of control.
Balancing festive cheer with safety, compliance, and property standards is key. In this post, we’ll walk through how to handle holiday decorations at your rental properties while keeping things fair, respectful, and within reason.
Why It Matters
Holiday decorations can make rental properties feel like home. Many tenants enjoy decorating their front porches, balconies, windows, and even lawns as a way to express their personality and celebrate with family or neighbors.
But without guidelines in place, decorations can quickly lead to problems, including:
- Fire hazards (from lights or candles)
- Damage to property (holes, adhesives, or improperly mounted décor)
- Electrical overloads
- Blocking access to exits or shared walkways
- Disputes with other tenants in multifamily buildings
- Unwanted liability for landlords
By setting and communicating reasonable boundaries, landlords can support holiday spirit without compromising safety or property value.
Start with Halloween
Halloween often kicks off the decoration season, and it’s a great time to remind tenants about what’s allowed—and what isn’t. While inflatable lawn ghosts or glowing skeletons can be fun, they can also damage lawns or cause problems if left plugged in for days on end.
Here are a few Halloween-specific concerns to address:
- Extension cords running across walkways
- Decorations that obstruct front doors or porches
- Excessively loud sound effects
- Flashing lights that may disturb neighbors
- Decorations that may invite vandalism or pranks
If your rental is in a neighborhood with trick-or-treaters, you might also consider sending tenants a reminder about keeping walkways clear and well-lit for safety.
Suggested General Guidelines for Decorations
A well-written lease or seasonal reminder can outline your policies on tenant decorations. Here are some areas to consider:
1. Timing:
You may want to suggest timeframes for when decorations can go up and when they should be taken down. For example:
- Halloween: October 1 – November 2
- Winter holidays: After Thanksgiving – January 10
Setting clear start and end dates helps prevent year-round displays or prolonged clutter.
2. Safety:
Specify that all decorations must be safe and follow local codes. This may include:
- No open flames or candles
- Use only UL-listed lights and cords
- No overloading electrical outlets
- Avoiding trip hazards on walkways and stairs
3. Damage Prevention:
Remind tenants not to use nails, screws, or adhesives that could damage walls, doors, railings, or siding. Encourage the use of non-damaging clips or temporary fasteners.
4. Common Areas:
If the property has shared spaces like entryways, lobbies, or yards, make it clear whether decorations are allowed there—and if so, who’s responsible for them.
5. Inflatable Decorations:
These can be polarizing. They’re festive but often noisy and oversized. You might restrict their use entirely or allow them only on certain types of properties (like single-family homes).
6. Offensive or Inappropriate Décor:
Add language that reserves your right to ask tenants to remove decorations that are considered offensive, profane, or overly graphic—especially in shared communities.
7. Exterior Fixtures and Roof Access:
Forbid climbing on roofs or attaching anything to gutters or fixtures. These areas are not only fragile—they’re dangerous. Make sure your policy is clear here to prevent injury or damage.
Communication Is Key
If you already have a section in your lease about tenant decorations, October is a great time to send a friendly reminder. A simple seasonal email or printed notice can go a long way in preventing misunderstandings.
Sample message:
“The holiday season is here! We want to support your ability to decorate and enjoy this time of year while keeping our properties safe and well-maintained. Please take a moment to review our guidelines for decorations. If you have any questions, just reach out—we’re happy to help.”
A little outreach helps show you care while also reinforcing expectations.
What About HOA Rules or City Codes?
If your rental is located in a homeowners’ association (HOA), be sure to check their rules on holiday decorations and share any relevant limitations with tenants. HOAs may have stricter timeframes or rules about lawn décor, lighting, or shared spaces.
Also, be aware of Seattle’s general noise ordinances and fire codes. For example, string lights and electrical cords must be rated for outdoor use and in good condition. Avoiding overloading outlets is essential for fire safety.
How Sound Point Property Management Helps
We know that the holidays can be a sensitive time when it comes to balancing joy and regulation. At Sound Point Property Management, we help property owners manage seasonal issues like decorations, parking concerns, noise complaints, and more—while keeping tenant relations positive.
If you’re tired of fielding complaints, chasing down lease violations, or navigating these gray areas, we’re here to help. Our full-service property management approach includes clear communication, preventative outreach, and regular site visits—so you can enjoy peace of mind year-round.
Need help setting boundaries this holiday season? Let’s talk about Sound Point managing your property!
