14 Things You Should Never Do in a Rental Property

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Rental property is a great way to have freedom and flexibility. You may feel comfortable treating a rental as if it were your own, but you’re still living in someone else’s space and there are boundaries you shouldn’t cross. As a first time tenant or someone who’s been renting for some time, there are things you should never do to keep good rapport with your landlord.

We’ve compiled a list of common things tenants often overlook, but should definitely avoid when in a rental property.

Blocking Emergency Exits

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Safety is a big deal in a rental, blocking exits is a huge no no, so keep hallways, windows and doors always clear and accessible. Not only is this safe for you, but it also means that you’re abiding by fire codes, which may be a lease requirement.

Leaving at the End of Your Lease Without Notice

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If you’re moving out, don’t just pack and leave. You generally have to give a certain amount of notice before you can leave, usually 30 or 60 days, most leases state. Not doing this can mean extra fees, or complications when you try to get your security deposit back. The best thing is to always inform your landlord well in advance.

Neglecting Cleanliness

While keeping your rental clean will make life more pleasant for you, it can also prevent long term damage. Wear and tear can result in stains, mold or grime build up that could cost you your deposit when you move out. This space will look good with regular cleanings and upkeep, and can prevent bigger issues.

Hanging Things Improperly

While it’s tempting to personalize your space by hanging photos or shelves or putting up a piece of art, be mindful how you do it. Damage to walls is a possibility with nails, screws and adhesive hooks, all of which will cost you to repair. If you’re going to hang things, stick to damage free hanging options or check with your landlord first.

Electrical Outlets Overloaded

It’s easy to overload outlets with all our gadgets, but that can be dangerous. Having overloaded circuits can lead to fires or the damage of the property’s wiring. Additional outlets can be used via surge protectors or once again, chat with your landlord about the most safe and doable way to add more power sources.

Failing to Get Renter’s Insurance

One thing that many renters don’t think about is renter’s insurance. But it covers you if your things are stolen, burned or damaged. Your landlord’s insurance policy only covers the building, not your personal property, so it makes sense to have your own policy.

Not Reading the Lease Carefully Enough

According to Apartment Guide, your lease is a guide to tell you what can and can’t be done in your rental. Skimming over the fine print could come back to bite you. Pay attention to headers, such as pet policies, smoking rules and subletting restrictions – so you don’t accidentally break any rules.

Subletting Without Permission

Subletting without your landlord’s consent can even get you into trouble, even if you’re only renting out a room for a weekend, as this Tenent Resorce Centre article advises. This is prohibited entirely in many leases and breaking this rule could get you into big trouble or evicted. Before you let someone else stay in your place, always check with your landlord.

Hosting Loud Parties

Wild parties that disturb your neighbors are not welcome in a rental. Lease dependent, noise complaints can result in fines or eviction. Make sure to take the volume down and keep your neighbors in mind.

Leaving Trash Outside

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Garbage or recycling that stays outside too long can leave a trashy insect magnet, or smell horrible. Make sure you always follow your building’s trash rules and make sure you dispose of waste properly. It’s a small thing but not managing it can lead to bigger issues with your landlord or even your neighbors.

Bringing in Unauthorized Pets

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You could have the friendliest pet in the world, but can’t bring them into a rental with a no pets policy. Fines or eviction is the consequence for having unauthorized pets, so make sure to get approval before adopting a furry friend. If pets are allowed, read the rules carefully and make sure you’re following them.

Painting the Walls Without Permission

A fresh coat of paint on your rental sounds like a great way to jazz things up, but it’s a no go unless your lease says otherwise. If you don’t love the current color scheme, landlords typically would prefer you stick to it. If you’re painting walls, ask if you can and offer to repaint (and repaint back to original if you have to leave after.

Ignoring Maintenance Issues

If something in the rental breaks or needs attention, don’t wait to tell your landlord. The least of these problems, such as a leaky faucet or running toilet, can become major (and pricier) issues if left unfixed. Reporting repairs as soon as they happen will also keep you from paying damage fees when you leave.

Making Major Alterations

You might be tempted to knock down a wall to make the space feel more open, or put in new fixtures, but major changes are frequently prohibited. Changes on a large scale can cause damage to your property and leave you having to foot a very large repair bill. You should leave any big changes to the professionals.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.