Well, in case you’ve missed it, the holiday season is here!

There’s a lot to love about the holidays, no matter which one you celebrate. You get to spend time with family and friends, enjoy delicious food, and, of course, decorate your space. If you’ve been following our social media and email updates, you know that the Holiday Lights Contest is underway—and with it comes your chance to win $100 off your rent! Even if you don’t snag the $100, you’ll still receive a free seasonal gift or a laundry card just for participating.

To enter, simply snap a picture of your festive holiday décor—anything from a wreath on your door to twinkling lights around your apartment. Whatever feels festive to you works!

Then, tag @lobosmanagement on social media. Or, if you prefer, you can send us the picture via direct message and we’ll post it for you. The contest runs through December 31st, 2025, so best of luck!

This post will cover the do’s and don’ts of holiday decorating, including tips to minimize any damage to your walls and maximize the holiday fun. We understand that decorating in a rental can be tricky, but the last thing we want is for you to feel limited!

WHAT CAN I USE?

• Window decals. These clingy, stretchy decals are festive, affordable, and—best of all—non-permanent. You can find them on Amazon for under $10. Window clings go on easily and usually don’t leave much residue. If you do notice a little smear after removing them, don’t worry—just wipe it away with a mild cleaner and warm water, and your window will look good as new (and ready for next year’s décor!).
• Magnetic decor. Some of the doors in our units are metal, which makes magnetic décor a perfect option. It’s easy to use, damage-free, and reusable season after season.
• String lights. Clip-on lights for shelves or windows, along with battery-powered options, are great for decorating your rental. After all, what are the holidays without a little twinkle? Just be sure to check whether lights are indoor vs. outdoor rated, and keep an eye on pets—especially curious cats who love chewing on cords!
• Tabletop decor. LED candles offer a warm, cozy glow without the risk of open flames. Seasonal figurines, festive trays, and garlands are all movable and, in many cases, stackable—making them perfect for small spaces.
• No-Nail door decor. Our residents were amazing at this during the Halloween season! Damage-free door décor is a great way to show how festive you are. Magnetic or suction-cup options work well for glass doors and windows, and over-the-door wreath hangers are an inexpensive way to keep your door hole-free.
• Outdoor decor. We recommend battery-powered or solar-powered lights, which you can grab at Target, Walmart, Home Depot, or anywhere else feeling festive. If you’re decorating your balcony, avoid heavy items and use removable balcony rail hangers. Heavy nails, screws, or anything permanent are a no-go, as they can damage the wood or metal of your outdoor space.

QUICK SAFETY AND LEASE REMINDERS

Not to be the Grinch, but we wouldn’t be your landlord if we didn’t give you a few quick safety and lease reminders.

• Keep smoke detectors and vents clear. While we love a good holiday tree, we recommend keeping it—and any other decorations—away from detectors and vents. Detectors need unobstructed airflow to sense smoke or CO₂ emergencies, and vents need space to circulate air. Blocking either can create safety hazards or make your HVAC systems work less efficiently.
• Consider LED candles instead of the real deal. Though “chestnuts roasting on an open fire sounds festive,” might we suggest an LED version instead? Traditional candles create a cozy atmosphere, but they’re easy to forget. LED lights offer that same warm glow without the risk of an open flame.
• Watch what hanging equipment you use. Non-invasive hanging options are almost always preferable to nails or screws. They get the job done without damaging your walls or doors.
• Be mindful of electrical use. Don’t overload your outlets. Using a surge protector and setting timers for your lights is the safest (and most energy-efficient) approach. It’s better for your safety and for your wallet.
• Watch placement near heat sources. Keep artificial trees, garlands, and other décor away from radiators, stoves, heaters, and other heat sources. Once again, “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” should remain a lyric—not something happening in real life!

Hopefully, this article has put you in the holiday decorating spirit and given you some fun, safe ideas! Don’t forget—the Holiday Lights Contest runs until December 31st. We can’t wait to see what you come up with!