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14/7/25 8:13 pm
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Sticky back plastic tiles (main image) have been singled out as the biggest scourge faced by landlords at the end of a tenancy.
The viral decorating trend has been touted as a cheap and easy way to update furnishings but has become the number one culprit for deposit deductions across rental properties, letting expert Sarah Evans tells The Sun.
According to OSB Group, seven in ten landlords are now open to tenants personalising their homes, while a third of tenants get involved in decoration plans – but landlords might want to rethink giving the go-ahead for this DIY hack, according to Evans.
She says sticky-back plastic is regularly used to transform kitchen tiles - often marketed as ‘removable’ and ‘renter friendly’ – but the adhesives can leave residue that damages paintwork or pulls away sections of laminate when removed.
Tenants use it everywhere; on worktops, tiles, doors, windowsills
“It’s advertised as great for renters as it can be removed, so tenants use it everywhere; on worktops, tiles, doors, windowsills, and it never fully comes off and requires some level of either cleaning or actual replacement,” she explains.
This widespread application means damage can significantly increase potential repair costs that could be deducted from deposits. According to Shelter, landlords can legally keep money from deposits if tenants cause damage beyond normal wear and tear - this includes situations where repairs are needed due to tenant actions, such as sticky residue left on walls or countertops.
In addition to sticky back plastic, Evans highlights the problem of tenants changing light fittings themselves instead of using an electrician, which can affect landlords’ compliance with safety regulations.
Main image: Amazon.
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