Many tenants across the UK personalise their rented homes to make them more comfortable. However, certain design choices can lead to disputes with landlords and deductions from security deposits at the end of a tenancy.
Insurance experts at Alan Boswell Group have identified the five most common design mistakes that risk tenants losing part or all of their deposit.
Heath Alexander-Bew, personal lines director at Alan Boswell Group, said efforts to customise rental properties often lead to disagreements.
“Many tenants naturally want to make a rented property feel like home, but certain changes can carry significant financial risk,” Alexander-Bew said.
“Cleaning comes up as a major issue in 54% of deposit disputes, followed by damage at 49% and redecoration at 31%. Luckily, with some forward planning, it’s possible to avoid most of these issues, while also making the property feel like your own home”.
Data from the Tenancy Deposit Scheme for 2024–2025 supports these figures. Cleaning featured in 54% of adjudicated cases, damage in 49%, and redecoration in 31%. Gardening appeared in 14% and rent arrears in 10%. Formal disputes affected around 1% of protected deposits overall.
Wall fixings and nail holes
Wall fixings are one of the most common reasons landlords withhold deposits.
Hanging pictures, mirrors, shelving or coat racks may appear minor, but drilling or hammering into walls is classed as damage. “The moment you hammer a nail or drill into a wall, you’ve technically damaged the property, regardless of how small the hole may seem,” Alexander-Bew said.
Landlords can charge for filling, sanding and repainting. “Many landlords will permit reasonable hanging of items provided it’s done professionally. Getting written permission before making changes provides vital protection if disputes arise later.”
The Tenancy Deposit Scheme advises tenants to avoid permanent fixings unless permission is granted, as damage is assessed on outcome rather than intention.
Safer alternatives include removable adhesive hooks and strips, which manufacturer guidance indicates can typically hold between 1kg and 7kg depending on the product and surface. Freestanding mirrors, leaning artwork and over the door racks are also lower risk options.
Unauthorised painting
Painting without permission can result in significant costs. “Even if you believe you’re improving the space with a neutral colour, landlords can rightfully charge the full cost of returning walls to their original state,” Alexander-Bew said.
“Professional repainting services aren’t cheap, and attempting to fix it yourself before moving out often makes matters worse.”
Alexander-Bew advises tenants to document wall condition with clear, date stamped photos at the start of the tenancy.
Appliance damage
Kitchen appliances and white goods frequently lead to deposit deductions. Scratches to refrigerators, broken dishwasher components and damaged microwave interiors are common issues. “Ovens and hobs are frequently a driving force in deposit disputes,” Alexander-Bew said.
“Even if the appliance isn’t actually broken, a build up of grime can often spell deductions to deposits. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of grime that can lead to professional cleaning charges”.
Flooring modifications
Changes to flooring, whether deliberate or accidental, often result in charges. Scratched wooden floorboards, cracked tiles or laminate, and carpet stains are all deductible.
“We advise that you minimise your chances of losing your deposit by placing felt pads under furniture legs, laying rugs in the areas you’re most likely to be walking through, and addressing spills as soon as they happen,” Alexander-Bew said.
Alexander-Bew also recommends documenting any existing floor damage with date stamped photographs at check-in.
Garden neglect
Outdoor areas are frequently overlooked. “Garden maintenance features in 14% of all deposit disputes, according to the latest research from the tenancy agreements do require tenants to maintain outdoor areas,” Alexander-Bew said.
Overgrown lawns, weeds and untrimmed hedges can trigger deductions, particularly during summer move-outs. “A one-off gardener visit before check-out is usually far cheaper than losing part of your deposit,” Alexander-Bew said.
Protecting your deposit
“The key to protecting your deposit lies in understanding exactly what your contract permits, documenting the property thoroughly when you move in, and getting written permission before making changes,” Alexander-Bew said.
“Taking these simple steps dramatically reduces the risk of costly disputes when your tenancy ends.”