With Halloween fast approaching, many new vacation owners are wondering how to approach the subject of trick-or-treaters. Fortunately it’s a fairly easy issue to navigate!

Should I decorate my short term rental?

We don’t recommend it. Not everyone celebrates Halloween, and decorations can give the false impression that the property is participating in trick-or-treating when guests may not be up for it. 

Should I allow my guests to decorate for Halloween if they want to?

It’s totally up to you! Keep in mind that your local HOA, if you have one, may have some restrictions regarding certain types of decorations, and most guests are probably not going to want to decorate. If you allow decorations, make sure you have a clear policy in place regarding what types of decor are and are not allowed, along with any extra fees they may assess if they leave a mess behind. 

What should I do if guests don’t want to participate in trick-or-treating?

The time-honored practice of shutting off porch lights is often the only thing that’s needed. If your lights are on a timer, make sure the guests have clear instructions if they need to manually turn them off. 

If you’d like to have a little something extra on hand, provide a simple sign that says “Sorry, no treats here!” for your incoming guests to use if they wish. 

You can also include a guide for incoming guests of local events to attend, if they’re looking to celebrate, or a guide to the area if they have children who want to go trick-or-treating. 

These simple things will help ensure an outstanding experience for your guests! 

Managing a vacation rental doesn’t have to be scary! Short Term Rental Manager takes the fright out of managing your property. We handle everything: cleaning, guest bookings and communication, marketing, and maintenance! With over 15 years of experience in the valley, we know the area inside and out! Visit our website to learn more.