A Renter’s Guide to Damage-Free Christmas Decorations
Christmas is a magical time of year, and decorating your home plays a big part in creating that festive atmosphere. But if you live in a rental property, you may worry about causing damage, losing your deposit, or breaching your tenancy agreement. The good news is that you can decorate your rental for Christmas without drilling holes, damaging wall
Whether you’re a tenant wanting to enjoy the season or a landlord advising your renters, here’s a complete guide to decorating your rental property for Christmas—damage free and stress free.
Understand Your Tenancy Agreement First
Before putting up a single decoration, it’s important to check your tenancy agreement. Many UK rental contracts include clauses about not fixing items to walls, ceilings, or fixtures without permission.
Key things to look for:
- Rules about nails, screws, or adhesive hooks
- Restrictions on external decorations
- Guidelines on candles or electrical items
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask your landlord or letting agent. Open communication can prevent misunderstandings later on.
Use Damage-Free Hanging Solutions
One of the biggest concerns in rental properties is wall damage. Thankfully, there are plenty of renter-friendly options available.
Command Hooks and Strips
Removable adhesive hooks and strips are ideal for:
- Hanging wreaths on doors
- Mounting fairy lights
- Displaying garlands or stockings
Make sure they are:
- Suitable for the surface type (painted walls, tiles, wood)
- Removed correctly after use to avoid peeling paint
Washi Tape
Decorative washi tape is a great alternative for lighter decorations such as:
- Paper snowflakes
- Christmas cards
- Light tinsel
It peels off easily and usually doesn’t leave residue.
Decorate with Freestanding Items
Freestanding decorations are perfect for rental homes as they don’t require fixing anything in place.
Christmas Trees
- Opt for an artificial tree to avoid mess and needle damage
- Use a tree skirt or mat to protect flooring
- Consider slim or tabletop trees for smaller UK homes and flats
Decorative Accessories
Think:
- Lanterns
- Cushions with festive covers
- Throws in Christmas colours
- Table centrepieces
These instantly create a festive feel without any risk of damage.
Go Easy on Candles (or Skip Them)
While candles look cosy, they can be risky in rental properties and may even be prohibited in your tenancy agreement.
Safer alternatives include:
- LED candles
- Battery-operated tea lights
- Light-up ornaments
They give the same warm glow without the fire risk or wax damage.
Protect Walls, Floors, and Furniture
Christmas decorations can sometimes cause accidental damage, especially in furnished rentals.
Flooring
- Place mats under trees and decorations
- Avoid dragging heavy items across floors
- Be careful with glitter, which can be hard to remove
Furniture
- Avoid leaning decorations against walls or furniture
- Use coasters for festive drinks to prevent stains
Be Careful with Fairy Lights
Fairy lights are a Christmas staple, but they should be used responsibly.
Top tips:
- Choose LED lights (they’re safer and cheaper to run)
- Avoid stapling or pinning lights to walls
- Switch lights off when leaving the property or going to bed
- Ensure outdoor lights are suitable for UK weather if allowed
- Never overload plug sockets, especially in older properties.
Keep External Decorations Minimal
If your rental has a garden or external space, check whether outside decorations are permitted.
If allowed:
- Use solar-powered lights
- Avoid drilling or attaching items permanently
- Keep pathways clear to prevent trip hazards
Some landlords may prefer external decorations to be avoided entirely, so always confirm first.
Store Decorations Properly
When Christmas is over, how you remove and store decorations matters just as much as how you put them up.
- Remove hooks slowly and carefully
- Clean any marks or residue straight away
- Store decorations neatly to avoid damage next year
Doing this helps ensure the property is returned in its original condition.
A Note for Landlords
Allowing tenants to decorate for Christmas can help them feel more at home, encouraging longer tenancies and better care of the property.
Landlords may wish to:
- Provide clear guidance on acceptable decorations
- Recommend damage-free options
- Clarify rules around external displays and candles
A little flexibility can go a long way in building positive tenant relationships.
Final Thoughts
Decorating your rental property for Christmas doesn’t have to be restrictive or risky. With a bit of planning and the right products, you can enjoy a festive, cosy home without damaging walls, floors, or fixtures—and without risking your deposit.
By choosing removable decorations, avoiding permanent fixings, and respecting your tenancy agreement, you can fully embrace the Christmas spirit while keeping your rental property in great condition.
If you’d like more tips on renting, decorating, or property advice, feel free to get in touch or explore our latest blogs.