A new TikTok trend being shared online as a so-called “renter-friendly upgrade” is leaving landlords with costly repair bills and frustrated tenants.
If you search for “renter-friendly hacks” on TikTok, you’ll see endless videos promoting low-cost ways to customise a rental property. Influencers are sharing DIY transformation tips they claim are easy to reverse at the end of a tenancy, helping tenants protect their deposits. But while these videos are racking up millions of views, the reality for landlords is very different.
Why these rental hacks are problematic
According to lettings expert Sarah Evans, many of these quick fixes can be expensive to put right when tenants move out. While some renter-friendly ideas are harmless, others are leaving behind significant damage that results in deposit deductions and major repair costs.
And there is one particular DIY TikTok trend that is emerging as the biggest problem for landlords.
The vinyl revival
Self-adhesive vinyl film, often referred to as sticky back plastic, has become hugely popular online. It comes in countless patterns and finishes, from faux marble to wood grain, and is promoted as a cheap way to refresh tired kitchens, bathrooms, and even furniture.
Social media videos make applying and removing sticky-back plastic look simple, but the reality is often far from it. In practice, when tenants peel it away (often in a rush just before moving out), it can rip off half the paintwork, pull up flooring, or leave behind a stubborn sticky residue.
Not only can this damage the surface beneath, but the residue often requires chemical treatments or scraping, which can make things worse. Repairing the damage caused by sticky-back plastic is time-consuming and costly, making it the leading cause of deposit disputes in many rental homes.
What landlords need to know
One major issue with this TikTok trend is that many videos fail to mention that tenants must obtain their landlord’s consent before making any alterations. In fact, some creators actively encourage people to make changes in secret, with lines such as: “What the landlord doesn’t know won’t hurt them.”
For landlords, this is a timely reminder to clearly communicate expectations around property alterations. If a tenant asks to personalise their rental, request details of what they want to do so there is no confusion. Always make sure that tenancy agreements set out the rules for decorating or upgrading.
Regular property inspections are also essential to ensure changes are not being made without permission.
Protecting your property
While TikTok can be a source of creative ideas, not every DIY TikTok trend is suitable for a rental home. Sticky back plastic might seem like a quick fix, but in reality, it can lead to expensive repairs and potential disputes.
If you’d like to know more about how our property management services can help protect your investment, contact us today.
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