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5 Shadow Damages: Why Your Check-out Needs to Look Beyond the Surface

In the cut-throat rental market of 2026, the obvious damages, such as a smashed window or a red wine stain on the carpet, are too apparent and easy to spot. However, with the demise of Section 21 (no-fault evictions) and the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman's tougher stance on evidence, landlords and agents must dig deeper. This is why you must look beyond and unearth shadow damages.

Shadow damages are the more subtle, and frequently overlooked, issues that can quietly devalue your property or cause expensive disputes. When preparing your Check-out Report, here are five areas where you must look beyond the surface.

1-The Air Fryer Effect: Kitchen Worktop Heat Stress

With the current explosion of countertop kitchen tech, we are witnessing an increase in shadow heat damage. For instance, modern homes are using air fryers and pressure cookers that generate intense downward heat.

You need to check for the subtle bubbling, discolouration, or bowing of laminate worktops where these appliances were placed. A quick snap may not capture it, so use your hand to check for irregularities.

2-Laminate Click Separation

Rolling tenancies usually see high foot traffic, which can lead to the failure of the locking system of laminate floors. Check for small gaps (usually under 2mm) between the boards in the doorway or hallway because this is where moisture and dirt are trapped, leading to the destruction of the entire floor. You can use Reports2Go Audio Mode to narrate where the separation is occurring as you walk.

3-Internal Door Frame Bloom

Rather than simply checking if the bathroom door closes, check the bottom of the frame. In 2026, ventilation is a big legal issue under Awaab's Law, and if the tenant has not been using extractor fans, there is a good chance that moisture is blooming at the bottom of the timber frame, causing it to swell or the paint to flake off.

4-Pet-Related Window Seal Pitting

With the Right to a Pet a reality in 2026, landlords need to be aware of shadow pet damage. Dogs will often paw at the seal of a window if they spot something of interest outside.

Look at the rubber gaskets around uPVC windows for signs of small puncture marks or pitting. Although these are small, they can affect the seal of the window and cause condensation.

5-Limescale "Creep" on Chrome Fixtures

Standard photos usually remove the white crust of limescale from taps and shower heads. But if not addressed, this shadow damage could cause pitting of the chrome. When you submit your Check-out Report, make sure to take close-up shots of the undersides of the taps. This is the first place an adjudicator checks to see if reasonable cleaning has been done.

So, these are a few shadow damages you must be aware of during your inspections after your tenants have checked out. You can upgrade your evidence trail by downloading the Reports2Go app and creating comprehensive Check-out Reports without any hassle.

Dan, 06 February 2026