It's October, and that means Halloween is here. From creative costumes to spooky decorations and bowls of candy by the front door, it’s one of the most fun times of the year. But with all the fun comes a few safety risks, especially if you’re living in an apartment. 

Before the spooky season starts, take a few minutes to prepare your rental for a safe and stress-free celebration. These Halloween safety tips can help you enjoy the season while keeping your apartment, guests, and neighbors out of harm’s way. 

Decorate safely (especially indoors) 

It’s tempting to go all out with Halloween decor, but certain materials and setups can pose risks in apartments. Keep the following steps in mind: 

  • Stick to flameless candles for that spooky glow. 
  • Don’t tape lights or cords to painted walls; use removable hooks instead. 
  • Avoid hanging decorations too close to vents, heaters, or cooking areas. 
  • Keep exits and hallways clear at all times. 

If you live in a building with other units, your property manager may limit outdoor decorations, lights, or hanging items in shared areas. Always double-check building safety rules before setting up your decorations. 

Choose safe lighting over open flames 

Candles may look great inside pumpkins, but they’re one of the biggest causes of accidental fires this time of year. Opt for LED candles, glow sticks, or fairy lights instead. They’re reusable, child-safe, and create the same atmosphere without the risk. 

Multiple LED candles glowing in the dark, demonstrating safe decoration ideas to prevent fire hazards and improve Halloween safety.

If you want real candles for ambiance, place them in sturdy holders on flat, non-flammable surfaces, and blow them out before leaving the room. 

Plan for guests 

Even a small apartment can feel crowded on Halloween night. If you’re having people over, keep the main paths open and move fragile items somewhere safe. 

If you’re handing out candy, consider setting up a small table by the door or even in the hallway (if allowed). This gives visitors a clear, accessible spot and helps you avoid cluttered doorways. 

And if an accident does happen — for example, someone trips over a decoration or damages something in your apartment — it helps to have renters insurance in place. It can cover certain types of accidental damage or liability situations that might occur during a busy night like Halloween. 

Keep entrances clear and well-lit 

Even if you’re not expecting trick-or-treaters, keeping your entryway clear and visible is a must. Loose extension cords, pumpkins, or decorations near your doorway can trip people or block access in case of an emergency. 

Protect your privacy 

It’s easy to get caught up in the fun of costumes and parties, but Halloween can also bring more strangers into your area. Be mindful of what’s visible through your windows or open door. Keep valuables like keys, phones, and wallets out of sight. 

If you post your Halloween photos online, avoid including your building name, apartment number, or recognizable surroundings. It’s an overlooked part of Halloween safety, but an important practice that can help stay safe online and prevent unwanted risks later on. 

Be a thoughtful neighbor 

Noise carries farther than you think, especially in apartment buildings. If you’re hosting, let your neighbors know in advance or invite them to join in. Keep the music at a reasonable level and wrap things up at a decent hour. 

Friends dressed in costumes enjoying a Halloween party with decorations and food, emphasizing responsible fun and Halloween safety.

Also, clean up any decor or candy wrappers outside your door the next morning. Shared spaces should remain pleasant for everyone.

Keep your pets calm and comfortable 

Between the doorbell ringing, strange costumes, and extra noise, Halloween can be stressful for animals. If you rent with pets, create a quiet, secure space for them away from the door as well as candy or decorations they might chew on. 

Prepare for the unexpected 

Accidents can happen even when you’ve planned ahead. Before Halloween night, do a quick check around your home: 

  • Are smoke alarms working? 
  • Is there a clear exit path from each room? 
  • Do you have a flashlight or emergency light in case of a power outage? 

These small steps go a long way toward ensuring Halloween safety in any rental. 

Keep it simple and enjoy the night 

The best Halloween celebrations don’t require over-the-top setups. A few decorations, a safe space, and some candies are often all you need. Focus on having fun with friends or neighbors while keeping your home in good shape for November 1st. 

Kids wearing witch hats and holding carved pumpkins in front of their faces, celebrating the holiday while promoting Halloween safety.

Halloween is meant to be fun, not scary for the wrong reasons. By following a few simple Halloween safety steps like using flameless candles, keeping walkways clear, and securing decorations, you can enjoy the season without stress. 

Whether you’re handing out candy from your doorstep or heading out to a costume party, safety should be part of your celebration plan. So, light up those pumpkins, double-check your decorations, and have a safe, happy Halloween season. No tricks are required!