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Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating To Share With Your Tenants

10/18/2024

It’s that time of year! Summer’s in the rearview mirror and the holidays are on the horizon, so you know what that means—tenants will soon be hauling out the decorations to give their homes a festive feel. But before the lights, wreaths, and other seasonal trimmings come out of storage, it’s important to remind tenants of key safety tips that can protect them and your real estate investment.

Providing tenants with decorating guidelines helps safeguard your property and ensures decorations don’t turn into safety hazards. A trusted local property management company can make your job easier by giving them helpful information about potential fire, electrical, or structural damage risks so they enjoy a safe and happy holiday season.

Fire and Electrical Safety Tips When Decorating for the Holidays

The holiday season brings warmth and joy, but it also comes with fire and electrical hazards that cause millions of dollars in damage a year. Bright lights and winter greens may be hallmarks of the holidays, but you want to help tenants avoid turning this festive time of the year into a devastating one.

Keeping fire safety in mind when decorating helps prevent these accidents.

  • Live Christmas trees. Once cut, pine trees need plenty of water to keep their needles from drying out and becoming a fire risk. Check the tree holder regularly and remove the tree from the home when it starts to shed.
  • Candles. They’re beautiful to look at, but open flames can easily ignite nearby combustibles. Never leave a candle unattended, and, if you have small children or pets, consider using LED versions instead.
  • Flammable decorations. Paper, fabric, and plastics can catch fire easily. Choosing fire-resistant products significantly reduces fire hazards.

Proper handling of lights, outlets, power strips, and extension cords can prevent electrical mishaps.

  • Don’t overload outlets. Plugging multiple electrical devices into a single outlet can overload it and potentially spark a fire. “Daisy chaining” extension cords increases the risk of overheating. A single, heavy-duty extension cord rated for indoor or outdoor use is best.
  • Replace faulty lights. Damaged or worn-out strings of light can malfunction and create electrical hazards.
  • Use correct wattage bulbs. Higher-wattage bulbs can cause overheating and increase fire risk.

Avoiding Holiday Decoration Damage to The Property

Heavy wreaths, oversized wall hangings, and improperly cared-for Christmas trees can lead to unintended but significant damage. To avoid compromising the long-term value of an investment property, ask tenants to:

  • Avoid using nails, screws, or adhesive products that could strip paint, damage drywall, or leave lasting marks. Removable hooks or non-damaging adhesive strips are best.
  • Refrain from hanging heavy decorations from ceilings or walls, as it can lead to structural damage if they fall off or drop.
  • Make sure their tree isn’t under-watered, as it can dry out and leak sap onto hardwood floors and carpeting.
  • Be careful with inflatables and other outdoor decorations on patios and porches. Inflatables should be properly anchored or weighted to keep them from blowing over or away.
  • Avoid placing heavy items on balcony railings that might not support the weight, leading to structural damage and potential injury to passersby.

Additional Holiday Safety Tips for Tenants

If you own or manage a multi-family rental, tenants should be reminded to consider their fellow renters when decorating. Hallways, stairwells, and exit routes should be kept clear to ensure safe evacuation in an emergency. Loud or disruptive decorations that might disturb neighbors should remain inside or be avoided altogether. Stress how important it is to follow building regulations to avoid potential fines or disputes with property management. They should also avoid risky outdoor tasks like climbing on the roof, as it can lead to severe injury or damage, and may violate property rules.

Keeping a Property Secure Any Time of the Year

The holiday season can be a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of increased risks, including crime. These six tips help keep a property secure during the holidays and all year long.

  1. Install a reliable security system to deter criminals and alert you to potential intrusions.
  2. Upgrade exterior lighting. Well-lit entryways, pathways, and common areas make a property safer for tenants and discourage trespassers.
  3. Regularly inspect the property to identify and address vulnerabilities like defective locks, broken windows, and damaged fences.
  4. Encourage tenants to report suspicious activity or security concerns. Make it easy for them to contact you or the property management company.
  5. Post security information in common areas and send out periodic reminders about locking doors, securing windows, and staying vigilant.

Delegating responsibilities to a proven, dependable property management company allows you to spend less time on day-to-day tasks, and allows you to focus on growing your investment.

Bee Realty Corp is a full-service brokerage providing property management services to owners and landlords throughout Volusia, Seminole, Marion, and the surrounding counties. Our attention to detail ensures your property is managed with the utmost care and professionalism, delivering maximum returns and peace of mind.

Contact us online today or call 386-279-7522 to discuss all your property management needs.

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