HALLOWEEN is just around the corner, but did you know that pumpkin decorations could land you a £5,000 fine?

Hand-carved pumpkins bought from a local farm or shop are a Halloween staple and we frequently see them appear in people's windows, gardens and outside their front door. 

But, a wayward pumpkin could see you paying a hefty fine of £5,000.

How can a pumpkin land me a fine?

The Occupier’s Liability Act 1957 and Occupier’s Liability Act 1984 detail how homeowners and tenants do not have a duty to prevent all accidents, but are obliged to deliver reasonable care for the safety of visitors to your property.

Ensuring everything is safe covers your home insurance and any unwanted liabilities.

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However, you may find yourself liable if any accidents are caused by the dangerous condition of your property or the decorations you install – facing fines up to £5,000 or, in worse case scenarios, imprisonment.

Barratt Homes has shared its top tips to avoid being hit with a penalty as a result of your ghoulish decorations.

How to avoid a frightening fine

Here are some tips from Barratt Homes to ensure the scariest thing you encounter this Halloween are well-dressed trick-or-treaters.

  • Lanterns, candles, and lights can obviously all be fire hazards. Make sure you place these out of the direct path to your door and directly around your entrance. Remember that many kids will be wearing masks during Halloween so might have impaired vision.
  • Lights and candles lit indoors should be kept clear of curtains, decorations, and other flammable objects. If you can, use LED lights instead of candles.
  • If you are using a lot of electrical lights for your outdoor Halloween display, make sure you check the lights and cords for frayed or bare wires. Do not overload your extension leads and ensure there are no wires that could become a trip hazard.
  • Keep your pets in a safe area. Make sure you keep your pets secure in your house or garden during Halloween night to avoid any potential mishaps.