It’s no secret that candles add a touch of luxury and ambiance to any room. But what if you don’t want to break the rules set by your school or residence hall regarding using candles? No problem! There are many alternatives to candles available on the market, so you’re sure to find one that will fit your needs and style.
Most student accommodations and apartment buildings have a strict ban on lighting incense and candles in apartment buildings. For this reason, in most cases, candles and other open flames are not permitted in these buildings. This is to avoid fire risks that are associated with these products.
This article will explore why having candles in your room might not be a good idea and offer some alternative options that can provide the same level of luxury and ambiance.
Can you have candles in dorm rooms?
Most schools and universities have rules against burning open flames in student accommodation, for a good reason. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the benefits of candles! There are plenty of alternative options available that will give you the same luxurious feel without the risk.
Candles are a great way to add a touch of luxury and ambiance to any room. But if you’re not careful, they can also be a fire hazard. That’s why most schools and universities have rules against burning open flames in student accommodation.
Risks associated with candles in apartments
Fire Risk & Hazard
First, you might not want to have candles in your dorm room because of the fire risk they pose. A candle left unattended or knocked over could quickly start a fire. This is especially true if you use wax candles, which can melt and drip onto surfaces, potentially igniting something.
Impact on Building Insurance
Another reason you might not want to have candles in your dorm room is that it could impact the insurance of the building. If there were to be a fire in the building that was caused by a candle, the insurance company could potentially refuse to pay out for damages. This would be a substantial financial burden for the student or their family.
Lack of Education & Human Error
Sometimes, people are just not educated on the risks associated with candles. This is especially true for students who might be living away from home for the first time. They might not have been taught about the dangers of leaving a candle unattended or how to extinguish one properly. This lack of education combined with human error (e.g., falling asleep with a lit candle) could lead to disastrous consequences.
Sensitive Fire Systems
Another reason you might not want to have candles in your dorm room is that they could trigger the fire alarm system. This would be a huge inconvenience for everyone in the building and the fire department if they were to be called out unnecessarily.
Allergies & Sensitivity
Some people might be allergic to the smoke or fragrance admitted by your candles or incense, which can cause complaints or adverse health effects. If you have asthma or another respiratory condition, candle fumes could trigger an attack. Be courteous of others in your apartment block.
Alternatives to candles in dorm rooms and flats
Fortunately, plenty of alternative options will give you the same luxurious feel without the risk. Here are some of the best candles for dorm rooms:
Flameless Candles
These candles look like real ones but don’t have an open flame. You can find flameless candles in various sizes, shapes, and scents. Many flameless candles can provide great ambiance with the ability to change the lighting with a remote, changing the mood.
Flameless candles are affordable and a great way to enjoy all the benefits of candles without the risk. You can get scented flameless candles that will ensure your room stays fresh all year round as an alternative to scented candles that are not allowed in these buildings.
Wax Warmers
Wax warmers are another great alternative to traditional candles. They use a small bulb to melt the wax, releasing the fragrance into the air. You can find wax warmers that use both scented and unscented wax.
Wax warmers are a great way to enjoy the benefits of candles without the risk. You can find them in various styles to match your décor, and they’re affordable too!
Reed Diffusers
Reed diffusers are a great way to enjoy your favourite scents without an open flame. Reed diffusers work by saturating wooden reeds in the fragrance oil. The reeds diffuse the scent into the air, filling the room with your favourite smell.
Scent Bags
Scent bags are an easy and convenient way to enjoy your favourite fragrance. Scent bags are small cloth bags filled with scented beads or gel. You can hang them in your closet, drawer, or car to enjoy the scent wherever you go!
Potpourri
This is a great way to enjoy your favourite fragrance without an open flame. Potpourri is a mixture of dried flowers, spices, and other fragrant materials. You can find potpourri in any scent you can imagine!
Potpourri is made from natural materials, so it’s a great eco-friendly alternative to candles. You can make your potpourri or buy it at any craft store.
Plugin Air Fresheners
Plugin air fresheners are a great way to enjoy your favourite fragrance without an open flame. These products work by releasing the fragrance into the air through a small fan. You can find plugin air fresheners in any scent you can imagine!
Air fresheners are a great alternative to candles because they’re safe and easy to use. You can find them at most grocery stores or online.
Ten steps to keep your dorm room smelling good
You can do a few things to keep your dorm room smelling good and fresh.
- Open the windows often to let fresh air in and help circulate the air.
- Invest in an air purifier to remove dust, pollen, or other airborne particles.
- Avoid smoking inside your dorm room and home. This is also against tenancy agreements and is a prohibited action.
- Keep any food stored in airtight containers to prevent it from going bad and attracting pests.
- Do your laundry regularly and store dirty clothes in a hamper or container.
- Take out the trash regularly and keep your trash can covered.
- Clean up any spills or messes immediately.
- Use scented candles, reed diffusers, or wax warmers to add a touch of fragrance to your room.
- Keep houseplants in your room to help purify the air and add a touch of nature.
- Follow your school’s or residence hall’s guidelines for using candles and other open flames.
Candles are a great way to add a touch of luxury and ambiance to any room, even a dorm room! Just be sure to follow your school’s guidelines regarding using candles and other open flames.
Can you have wax warmers in dorm rooms?
Wax warmers are a great alternative to candles, and they’re also safe to use in your dorm room. Wax warmers use a heating element to melt the wax, so there’s no fire risk. And you can find them in various styles to match your décor.
Those that have an electric heating element are allowed in the vast majority of flats and form rooms. Those wax warmers with an open flame are not permitted in any student accommodation, so check the rules before buying one.
You will need to check the rules of your building before you purchase one of these products. Most of the time there will be restrictions on the wattage of the product and there can also be restrictions on what can be melted in the warmer. So contact your landlord to ask these fundamental questions.
Do scented oils or diffusers count as candles?
Scented oils and diffusers are a great way to enjoy your favourite scent without the risk of a fire. And they’re usually allowed in most dorm rooms and flats. However, check the rules before buying one, as some schools and universities restrict using these items.
Scented oils and diffusers that do not require an open flame are allowed in most student accommodation and flats. These scented products are great alternatives to scented candles that will enable you to continue to have a fresh-smelling room all year round.
Will candles set off fire alarms in dorms?
Candles can set off fire alarms in dorms, so check your school’s guidelines before using them. Some schools allow candles if they’re placed in a glass jar or holder and placed on a sturdy surface away from flammable materials.
If you use candles in your dorm room, place them in a glass jar or holder on a sturdy surface away from flammable materials. And always blow them out before leaving the room or going to sleep. Most schools have a strict candle ban, so find out first or check your tenancy agreement.
Can a landlord tell you not to have candles?
Your landlord can tell you not to have candles in your rented accommodation. It’s usually stated in the tenancy agreement. If a fire starts and causes damage to the property, you will be liable for the damage caused.
Most landlords will not allow candles in their properties due to fire hazards. If you’re caught with candles, you could be asked to stop the use of candles and reminded of the breach of tenancy. So, it’s best to check your tenancy agreement before using them.
In most cases, if caught, landlords will have an open conversation with you about the ban on candles and ask you to stop before taking further action if necessary. So if a clause in your contract states, “No burning of incense or candles. Any property damage resulting from non-compliance will be the tenant’s responsibility,” your best to avoid using candles.
The last thing you want is a hefty bill on your head in case of a fire or to be asked to leave the property if the landlord feels it necessary.
How to safely use candles in apartments (if they are allowed)?
If you’re going to use candles in your apartment, there are a few safety rules you should follow:
- Place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface.
- Keep candles away from flammable objects like curtains, beds, and paper.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Use candle holders that will catch any drips or melted wax.
Following these simple safety rules allows you to enjoy your candles without worry. Just be sure to check your lease agreement first to see if they’re allowed. With our safety article, you can learn more about how to extinguish your candle safely in an apartment or your home.
Final Thoughts
As long as you follow the rules set by your school, residence halls, or tenancy agreement, you can enjoy the benefits of candles without the risk. There are many alternatives on the market to candles that you can use – so choose these alternatives if you find candles are prohibited. This is usually the case; the allowance of open flames is in the minority of contracts.
