A practical guide for tenants on everyday behaviours that unintentionally lead to costly damage, such as misuse of bathrooms, overfilling bins, or improper ventilation.
From buckets in the bath to blocked vents — these small oversights can turn into big bills. Here's how to stay damage-free and on good terms with your landlord.
Keeping a rental property in good condition doesn’t just help your landlord — it protects your deposit and avoids costly repair bills. At FSC Property, we’ve seen time and again how small habits lead to big problems. Here are five common mistakes tenants make (often without realising), and how to prevent them:
1. Using Baths as Showers Without Proper Screens
We’ve all done it — grabbed a showerhead or jug and rinsed off in the bath. But without a proper screen or curtain, water ends up on the floor, seeps into flooring and plasterwork, and can cause long-term structural damage. Always make sure you have a splash-proof setup and never pour water over yourself outside of the bath. If your bath isn’t suitable for shower use, ask your landlord before trying to adapt it.
2. Overloading Plug Sockets and Appliances
Extension leads with multiple appliances may seem harmless, but they’re one of the top causes of fire risk in rented homes. Heaters, microwaves, kettles — these should never be run off the same socket. Stick to one high-power appliance per outlet and avoid daisy-chaining extension cables.
3. Ignoring Condensation and Mould
Condensation turns into mould quickly if it’s not dealt with. Bathrooms and kitchens are high-risk zones. Always open a window after bathing or cooking, use extractor fans, and wipe down windows and tiles when wet. Mould is often caused by tenant behaviour — and it can cost you when it comes to deposit deductions.
4. Letting Food Waste and Grease Go Down the Sink
Food scraps and grease harden in pipes and cause serious blockages. This is one of the most common plumbing callouts we see. Always scrape plates into the bin and wipe off grease with a paper towel before rinsing. Never pour oil or fat down the sink.
5. Not Reporting Minor Issues Early
A dripping tap, cracked tile or broken extractor might seem minor, but left alone they can spiral into bigger problems. Report them early — a good landlord or agent (like FSC) will prefer to fix things sooner, before costs escalate or further damage is caused.
Respect the property like it’s your own, and you'll avoid surprises when your tenancy ends. If you’re ever unsure what’s allowed or expected — ask. We’re here to help.
Looking for more tips or need to report a maintenance issue? Contact us at info@fscproperty.com or visit our tenant services page.
