Advice for Tenants: Enjoy the Festive Season in Your Rental Home (Without Breaking Any Rules!)
Christmas time is magical and is the season when you should make your rental property in Colliers Wood really feel like home! However, it’s essential to celebrate without risking your deposit or breaking any rules within your tenancy agreement!
Whether you're decking the halls or hosting a small gathering, there are ways to enjoy the festive season while keeping your landlord and neighbours happy. At Your Home Managed, we’re sharing our tips to help tenants create a festive atmosphere in their rental property in Colliers Wood without causing stress or damage.
So, for a peaceful Christmas, here are our six festive tips!
1. Decorate Responsibly
Transforming your rental for Christmas doesn’t have to mean leaving tell-tale marks behind. Here’s how to keep your decorations landlord-friendly:
Avoid Nails and Tape: Use removable adhesive hooks or suction cup hangers for lights and wreaths. These won’t damage walls or surfaces when removed.
Christmas Trees: If you’re opting for a real tree, place it in a stand that won’t leak water onto carpets or floors. If space is tight, a small potted tree can look just as festive.
Outdoor Lights: If your property allows for outdoor decorations, avoid drilling holes or using heavy-duty fixtures. Battery-powered lights are a great alternative.
Sticking to these tips ensures your decorations can be removed without a trace, keeping your landlord happy and your deposit intact.
Read more about Rent-Friendly Decorating Ideas That Won’t Lose You Your Deposit!
2. Be Energy Conscious
The festive season often comes with higher energy bills thanks to extra lighting and heating. Here’s how to keep costs down:
Use LED Lights: These are more energy-efficient than traditional fairy lights and last longer, too.
Timers for Lights: Set your decorations to switch off automatically at bedtime or when you’re not home. This not only saves energy but reduces fire risks.
Smart Heating: If your rental property has a smart thermostat, programme it to keep your home warm while you’re in and reduce heating when you’re away.
A little mindfulness about energy use can help you enjoy the festive cheer without the financial shock in January!
3. Hosting a Festive Gathering? Keep It Considerate
Planning a festive get-together? It’s important to balance the fun with your responsibilities as a tenant:
Noise Levels: Be mindful of your neighbours, especially if you live in a flat or terraced property. Inform them in advance (or invite them to the party!) if you’re hosting and keep noise to a minimum in the late evening.
Guest Parking: Check your tenancy agreement or ask your landlord about guest parking rules. Avoid creating inconvenience for other residents.
Rubbish Disposal: After a gathering, ensure all rubbish is bagged and disposed of properly, especially if your building has shared bins.
Celebrating responsibly ensures you can enjoy the festive season without complaints from your landlord or your neighbours.
4. Protect Your Deposit Over Christmas
Festive decorations and celebrations can sometimes lead to accidental damage. Here’s how to avoid it:
Secure Breakables: If you have children or pets, place fragile decorations out of reach.
Spill-Proof Your Furniture: Use coasters and placemats to protect furniture and floors from spills during meals or parties.
Check the Inventory: Before putting up Christmas decorations, review the property’s inventory list to ensure nothing is altered or damaged.
Taking care of your rental home in Colliers Wood during the festive period protects your deposit and leaves you worry-free when it’s time to pack up the decorations.
5. Stay Warm and Avoid Winter Woes
Winter brings its own challenges for tenants, but a little preparation goes a long way:
Prevent Frozen Pipes: Keep your heating on a low setting if you’re away over the Christmas holidays. This prevents pipes from freezing and potentially bursting.
Report Repairs Promptly: If you notice a boiler issue, leak or heating problem, let your landlord or the letting agent know straight away.
Ventilate When Cooking: If you’re making a big Christmas dinner, open a window or use the extractor fan to avoid condensation and damp.
Looking after your property during winter ensures you can enjoy Christmas without unexpected hassles.
6. Check Your Tenancy Agreement
Before putting up decorations or making festive plans, give your tenancy agreement a quick review. Some properties may have specific rules about decorations, outdoor lights, or noise levels. If you’re unsure, contact your landlord or your letting agent for clarification.
What Next?
If you have any questions about your tenancy with Your Home Managed this festive season, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!
Call us on 0208 125 7780 or email info@yourhomemanaged.com for friendly advice.
In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about decorating your rental property in Colliers Wood over Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in your Rental Property
Can I put up Christmas lights in my rental home?
Yes, but use removable hooks or suction cups to avoid damaging walls or surfaces. Avoid drilling or using strong adhesives.
What should I do if I want to host a Christmas party?
Check your tenancy agreement for any restrictions and inform your neighbours beforehand. Keep noise levels reasonable and be mindful of parking.
How can I save energy while decorating my rental home?
Switch to LED lights and use timers to reduce energy consumption. Battery-powered decorations are another cost-effective option.
