Holiday Lighting Safety and Décor Hacks

Safe & Festive Holiday Decorating in Your Rental Home

The holidays are the perfect time to make your rental feel warm and festive—without sacrificing safety or your security deposit. Here’s a renter-friendly guide based on the tips above.

1. Choose LED Lights

LED lights are ideal for rentals:

• Use about 75% less energy than incandescent lights

• Stay cool to the touch, lowering fire risk

• Last up to 25x longer, so fewer replacements

• More durable and weather-resistant

Safety tip:

• Look for UL-certified lights to ensure they meet safety standards.

• While LEDs cost more upfront, they save money on energy bills and replacements over time.

2. Don’t Overload Outlets

Overloaded circuits are a major holiday hazard.

Safe practices:

• Use surge-protected power strips

• Check extension cord ratings and don’t exceed them

• Avoid daisy-chaining (plugging multiple power strips into each other)

• Spread decorations across multiple outlets instead of one

Important:

• Always unplug decorations before bed or when leaving home.

• December is the peak month for home fires involving decorative lighting (NFPA).

3. Secure Outdoor Decorations Safely

If your rental allows outdoor décor:

• Use weatherproof, outdoor-rated lights

• Anchor decorations securely against wind

• Use clips or hooks instead of nails or screws to avoid damage

• Check HOA or community rules before installing anything

• Keep decorations clear of vents, exits, and walkways

4. Candlelight: Use Caution

Real candles are beautiful but risky.

If you use real candles:

• Never leave them unattended

• Keep away from curtains, wreaths, trees, and other flammables

• Place on stable, heat-resistant surfaces out of reach of kids and pets

Safer alternative:

• Use flameless LED candles with flickering effects for the same cozy glow without fire risk.

5. Renter-Friendly Hanging Methods

Decorate without drilling holes or damaging walls:

• Command Strips: Great for lightweight wreaths, garlands, and small décor

• Over-Door Hangers: Hang wreaths without screws or nails

• Tension Rods: Hang lights or garlands in windows or doorways without hardware

• Freestanding Displays: Use decorative ladders, shelves, or stands for lights and ornaments

• Removable Hooks: Choose styles designed to come off cleanly when the season ends

These options help protect your walls—and your security deposit.

6. Holiday Lighting Checklist

Before you hang a single strand of lights, do a quick safety check:

• Inspect all light strings for damage

• Replace any burned-out bulbs

• Check electrical cords for fraying or exposed wires

• Test lights before hanging them

• Keep a fire extinguisher accessible

• Know where your circuit breakers are and how to reset them

7. Smart Timer Tips

Timers and smart plugs make your display safer and more efficient:

• Turn lights on at dusk automatically

• Turn lights off late at night so they’re not running while you sleep

• Save energy when you’re not home

• Create consistent schedules for indoor and outdoor lights

Smart plugs let you control lights from your phone—especially helpful when you’re traveling or get home late.

8. When to Replace Lights

Don’t hold onto unsafe light strings. Replace them if you notice:

• Frayed or damaged wires

• Cracked bulb sockets

• Flickering or intermittent operation

• Lights that feel excessively hot when on

• Missing end caps or plugs

If in doubt, throw them out and replace with new, UL-certified LED sets.

9. Emergency Preparedness

Be ready for the unexpected:

• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it

• Test smoke detectors and install fresh batteries

• Post or save emergency contact numbers (fire, maintenance, property manager)

• Have a first aid kit accessible

10. Celebrate Safely

Holiday decorating should be fun, not stressful. By choosing LED lights, avoiding overloaded outlets, using renter-friendly hanging methods, and preparing for emergencies, you can enjoy a festive home that’s both beautiful and safe.

Ready to deck the halls safely in your rental home? Explore Maymont Homes properties that give you the space and comfort to celebrate the season in style.