TikTok viral DIY trend is now ‘no1 culprit for losing your rental deposit’ as experts warn it’ll wreck your kitchen

A HOME expert has shared the viral trend wreaking havoc across UK homes.

While we often get inspired by easy DIY found on social media, some of them can do more harm than good.

A house expert has shared the DIY hack that can ruin your kitchen What seems like an easy way to transform your home can cost your rental deposit

Sarah Evans, a letting expert, has revealed sticky back plastic is the number one culprit for deposit deductions across rental properties in the UK. 

She said that this seemingly easy DIY trick to can be a headache for both landlords and tenants.

Often marketed as “removable” and “renter friendly,” they can damage .

The expert pointed out that sticky back plastic is widely used by tenants to customise spaces but often leaves permanent damage when removed.

“I’d say in more recent times the one thing that causes no end of issues is the sticky back plastic,” Sarah said. 

“It’s advertised as great for renters as it can be removed, so tenants use it everywhere; on worktops, tiles, doors, windowsills, etc, and it never fully comes off and requires some level of either cleaning or actual replacement,” she added. 

The sticky back plastic Sarah mentions is sold in most home improvement stores and promoted heavily on social media as a simple way to update rental kitchens and bathrooms.

What many don’t realise is that the adhesive can bond with surfaces over time, making clean removal nearly impossible. 

Evans explained that the problem stems from false advertising that leads tenants to believe these products are completely removable.

In reality, the adhesives often leave residue that damages paintwork or pulls away sections of laminate when removed. 

This widespread application means damage can extend to multiple surfaces in a property, significantly increasing potential repair costs that may be deducted from deposits. 

In addition to sticky back plastic, Evans highlighted another common issue. “I’d say, as well as the above, not to change light fittings.

This is another common problem where tenants change light fittings but do it themselves instead of an electrician, and then landlords end up stuck with their electrical certificates.” 

This issue poses not just aesthetic concerns, but safety risks that can affect landlord compliance with safety regulations. 

CHARGES

According to Shelter, landlords can legally keep 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. 

While general wear and tear is expected in any tenancy, damage from adhesives that requires repainting, refinishing, or replacement falls outside this category.

Tenants should be aware that such damage is almost always considered their responsibility. 

SOLUTIONS

Tenants looking to personalise their rental space should consider truly temporary alternatives.

Command strips, tension rods, and freestanding furniture offer decoration options without damaging surfaces. 

For those set on using adhesive products, a test in an inconspicuous area is recommended before full application.

According to advice from CPS Homes, careful removal techniques can help minimise damage, like using a hairdryer on low heat to soften adhesive and pulling parallel to the wall rather than outward. 

Fair wear and tear is defined as “reasonable use of the premises by the tenant and the ordinary operation of natural forces.”

Sticky back plastic damage falls outside this definition as it results from specific tenant actions rather than normal living. 

Evans concluded that simple precautions could save tenants significant money when moving out.

“The best advice I can give is to think twice before applying anything adhesive to rental property surfaces, no matter what the packaging claims about easy removal.” 

Paul Lenglet, co-founder and editor of CritiqueJeu added, “We’ve seen a surge in renter DIY hacks going viral on and Instagram, but many of them come with a hidden cost.

Tenants are being misled by aesthetic that aren’t built for long-term leases. It’s a classic case of short-term gain, long-term pain.”