Want to get into the Halloween spirit? October is the perfect time to get creative and transform your home into a spooky, festive space. But when you’re renting, you may feel limited in what you can do, since you’ll want to avoid any decorations that could damage the property or require major alterations. Plus, if you’re in an apartment, giant, life-sized coffins and front lawn displays may be out of the question.
The good news? There are plenty of easy, renter-friendly ways to decorate for Halloween without making drastic changes. Here’s how you can go all out for spooky season while keeping your rental in tip-top shape:
1. Take Advantage of Wall-Safe Adhesives
Unless your rental agreement states otherwise, it’s generally a good idea to avoid using nails or screws to hang decorations, as they can damage the walls. Instead, opt for removable adhesive hooks or Command strips, which are perfect for hanging lightweight décor like banners, fake spiderwebs, or string lights. The nice thing about double-sided adhesives is that they come off cleanly without leaving any residue—all you do is pull on the tabs to unlock the grip power.
Tip: Use small wall hooks to create a “haunted” photo wall or hang a Halloween wreath on your door! Or use them to hang battery operated candle sticks from the ceiling for an enchanted, wizard-nn -inspired glow.
2. Add Festive Lighting
Lighting is an easy way to set the Halloween mood, and it just so happens to be something you can do without making permanent changes. Try adding string lights—in orange and purple of course—to create a glowing ambiance indoors or out. You can also add battery-operated lanterns and LED candles around your fireplace, entryway, or tv to give your space an eerie vibe. And if you want all the Halloween-inspired ambience, consider smart bulbs that can sync to your smart device and change colors to match your Halloween theme on a dime.
Tip: Place glowing pumpkins in your entryway or hang lights around windows (using wall- or window-safe hooks) to give your rental an inviting, holiday-tastic display without needing to install anything permanent.
3. Spice Up Windows and Doors
We’ve tackled hanging lights on windows, but let’s get more specific. Your windows can be a great way to display removable window decals or static clings with ghosts, skeletons, and other creepy frights. These are usually designed to be easy to apply and remove, leaving no marks behind. You can also drape some fake cobwebs over your windows and doors for a haunted look that’s easy to clean up later.
Make sure to take advantage of your front door, adding a festive Halloween wreath or boo-tiful holiday sign.
Tip: If you have a projector, a clear shower curtain, and a little bit of time, you can project a Halloween animation on your window for passersby to see. Find free Halloween videos on YouTube with skeletons, ghosts, and more. You can also buy a clear shower curtain at the dollar store!
4. Shop for Themed Throws and Pillows
It’s easy to add some Halloween spirit to your home with seasonal rugs, pillows, and throws in festive colors like orange, black, and purple. These are easy to swap out after the season and can instantly transform your living space with a little creativity. Bonus: They also protect your furniture and floors from spills or dirt, which is a win for keeping a clean rental!
Tip: Check your local home decor or craft store for Halloween-themed decorations that match your personal style.
5. Pump Up the Jam (With Pumpkins)
Pumpkins are a fall classic and a Halloween staple. Plus, they’re non-permanent. Place real or faux pumpkins of any size around your space, wherever you see fit—on windowsills, porches, or tabletops. If you’re carving real pumpkins, make sure to display them on the porch to avoid any leaky mess inside your rental.
Faux pumpkins can be reused every year, making them a great investment. And if you choose a basic, fall pumpkin you can use it all autumn long.
Tip: If you're short on space, decorate with a bowl of mini pumpkins and gourds for a more subtle yet festive look.
6. Make a Creepy Entrance
Welcome guests and trick-or-treaters with a spooky entrance using removable floor decals or a welcome mat that adds those Halloween vibes. You can also add fake cobwebs, plastic spiders, and battery-operated candles to light the way.
Tip: Tight on space? Store shoes in a shoe bench in your entryway. That way you can add Halloween pillows and a throw just in time for the holidays.
7. Get Witch-Crafty
If you’re feeling crafty, create your own Halloween decorations like hanging paper bats or floating ghosts using lightweight materials like construction paper and fishing wire. Attach them with removable hooks or tape to avoid damaging the walls or ceiling. These DIY projects can be fun for the whole family and are easy to remove once the holiday is over.
Tip: If you’re making something symmetrical like a bat or ghost, fold the paper in half and trace half the stencil or outline on the fold. You’ll have a nice, symmetrical shape and won’t have to trace as much!
9. Enhance Your Sixth Scents
There’s no better way to set the tone for a spooky fall than with seasonal scents like pumpkin spice or cinnamon. You can use candles, plug-in air fresheners, or candle warmers for a festive touch.
Tip: Throwing a party? Or just getting ready for trick-or-treaters? Don’t forget to take advantage of sounds! Create the perfect, dance-worthy monster mash playlist or play haunted house sounds from a bluetooth speaker.
10. Don’t Get Tricked
While it can be tempting to go all out with your outdoor Halloween decorations, remember that you may have restrictions in your rental agreement. Stick to easy, non-permanent options like fake gravestones, plug in flood lights, plastic pumpkins, or solar-powered decorations that don’t require drilling or wiring. This way, you can create a spooky exterior without violating your lease terms.
Conclusion
As a renter, you can enjoy Halloween decor without limiting your creativity. With these renter-friendly ideas, you can make your space festive and spooky without making permanent changes or risking your security deposit. So go ahead and get into the Halloween spirit—your rental can look frightfully fun without any long-term commitment!
Treat Yourself to Easy Payments
Managing your rental is all treat, no tricks with TenantCloud. Download our app just for tenants, now available on iOS and Android to access your lease agreement, online payments, and more.
