Halloween is one of the most notable seasonal events during the autumn. And whether you are hosting a fancy-dress party or simply throwing up some cobwebs and bunting, if you are renting your home it can be easy to forget that you still have a deposit to reclaim at the end of the tenancy, and everything you do in the property matters.
Going overboard with decorations
Halloween decorations can be the stuff of nightmares – especially if they lead to a deposit claim.
Nails, pins and hooks can damage walls and paintwork, and you should be careful of sticking things to the walls with bluetack that can leave marks or be tricky to remove. Avoid anything excessive as this could lead to the landlord making a claim for redecoration, and make sure you always inform the landlord before making any major changes to the property.
Be wary of decorations like fake blood which could stain, and especially glitter which has a habit of sticking around for a long time. Cleaning is the most common cause of deposit claims seen by SafeDeposits Scotland, so take care to avoid any decorations that will make clean up difficult. Even pumpkin carving is something to exercise caution with so as to avoid any chips to the countertop from using knives.
Be sure to take down all decorations before you move out, including any fake cobwebs on the ceiling that are out of sight and easy to miss.
Parties and social gatherings
Having any party or large social gathering in the property can increase the likelihood of mishaps. It is important to keep in mind that any damage caused to the property by guests is still the responsibility of the tenant, so be sure to set some ground rules for your guests.
Spilled drinks can lead to stains on carpets which can be tricky to deal with. Lit candles illuminating your jack-o-lanterns can also be potentially hazardous, especially if they get knocked over, so consider electronic lighting where possible.
In properties that have a garden, should people take to the outdoors, remember to tidy up the garden afterwards. Make sure that any excess food is correctly disposed of as it could attract pests, and if the garden contains any flowerbeds, advise your guests to keep their distance so as not to trample them.
Even the specific costumes worn by guests is something to consider. Bulkier costumes or those that include props can accidentally knock over items, mark walls and floors, or damage furniture. Ensure that there is plenty of room for people to move around. “Frankenstein’s monster did it” will not hold up with an adjudicator!
Refer to your inventory
Your inventory is always your friend during your tenancy, and it may be a good idea to have a thorough look through it both before and after having guests in the property – especially during clean-up. You will be able to assess each item that is listed on the property and make sure everything is still in a reasonable condition. If anything is not as it should be however, you should get in touch with your landlord in the earliest instance to let them know.
