• With 17% of students claiming to have struggled to get their deposit back*, experts explain how to make your flat feel festive without risking the deposit.
• Mystudenthalls.com has teamed up with interior designer Molly Woodward-Moor to provide advice on how to ensure students don’t lose out at the end of tenancy.
• Some decorations can cause damage so it’s important to know which ones to use.

The holiday season is almost here, and for many, making their home feel festive and cosy is important this time of year. However, it’s essential to deck the halls without risking your rental deposit.

To help students and renters make their homes feel more festive, Mystudenthalls.com has teamed up with interior expert Molly Woodward-Moor from Stone Superstore to provide renters with tips for creating a cosy Christmas atmosphere while keeping your landlord happy and avoiding potential damage.

Keep Walls Damage-Free

Temporary décor is the safest way to bring festive cheer without damaging walls or fixtures. Molly suggests, “Use removable hooks or adhesive strips to hang stockings, wreaths, or fairy lights on walls. They’re a great way to display decorations without leaving nail holes or marks that could cost you your deposit.”

Add Festive Touches Without Permanent Changes

Skip any décor that requires paint, screws, or other semi-permanent changes. Instead, Molly recommends focusing on items that don’t require mounting. “Freestanding décor, such as mini trees, garlands on shelves, or decorative bowls filled with ornaments, adds festive charm without any risk of causing damage. You can also drape garlands along furniture edges or stair bannisters for a classic, non-invasive look.”

Be Cautious with Candle Displays

Candles create a beautiful Christmas atmosphere but should be used carefully. “Always place candles in glass holders on stable surfaces away from curtains or anything flammable,” says Molly. For a safer alternative, consider LED candles or string lights, which mimic the warmth of candlelight without fire risk.

Protect Floors and Surfaces

If you’re adding a Christmas tree, protect the floors from potential scratches or water damage. “Place your tree on a mat to protect the flooring from water spills or sap,” Molly advises. “If you’re worried about needles shedding from a real tree, a large tree skirt can catch them, keeping cleanup easy and damage-free.”

Festive Windows That Won’t Leave a Mark

Decorating windows is a great way to add Christmas charm but be mindful of potential damage to the glass or window frames. Molly recommends using window-safe decals or temporary spray snow. “These options add a festive touch and can easily be cleaned off after the holidays without leaving any residue,” she says.

Go Big on Soft Décor

Soft furnishings like festive blankets, pillows, and rugs are an easy way to bring holiday warmth to your space. Molly explains, “Layering your living space with cosy textures in holiday colours transforms the room without touching a single wall. Plus, it’s renter-friendly and can be used year after year.”

Avoid Tape and Permanent Adhesives

Using tape or other strong adhesives on surfaces can peel off paint or leave a sticky residue, which may jeopardize your deposit. Molly suggests opting for adhesive hooks designed to remove cleanly or decorating in ways that don’t require adhesives at all. “You can display ornaments on shelves, hang stockings on furniture, or even create a Christmas corner with festive items arranged on a table or windowsill.”

Top Tips for Safe, Damage-Free Decorating

Dan Roberts, Director of Mystudenthalls.com, reminds renters of a few extra ways to decorate safely while preserving the rental property:

• Skip Ceiling Décor: Avoid hanging items from the ceiling, as it’s challenging to remove these without leaving marks or holes.
• Be Mindful with Lighting: If you’re adding outdoor or indoor lights, make sure to avoid creating any holes for wiring or nails. Instead, opt for battery-powered lights or those that can be positioned around surfaces without being attached.
• Check Your Tenancy Agreement: Before going big on holiday decorating, check your lease for any restrictions on modifications. Some agreements specifically prohibit changes like adhesive hooks or extra nails, even if they’re temporary.

By following these renter-friendly decorating tips, you can enjoy a beautifully decorated home for Christmas without worrying about risking your deposit.

For more information on student accommodation and how to get your deposit back visit: https://www.mystudenthalls.com/news/getting-tenancy-deposit-back/