Can You Paint Walls In A Rental House?

It may be clear that you need to repaint your rental property. You may even be all set to get started. However, you may pause and ask: "Can you paint walls in a rental house?" Other questions may include "Should painting my rental property be my responsibility?" and "How often should a landlord paint?"

This guide will answer these questions about painting rental properties and landlord painting responsibilities. You can also learn about things to consider before painting rental properties, apartment painting tips, and why you should use a professional painting contractor. Continue reading for more!

Tenant vs. Landlord Painting Responsibilities

You may have loved the smell and look of fresh paint in a friend's apartment and wish to duplicate the same in yours. After all, a newly painted rental property can make you feel at home and relaxed. However, before you add that fresh coat of paint, you should confirm if painting rental properties should be done by tenants or landlords.

Generally, the landlord is responsible for painting rental properties as specified in lease agreements. Tenants can only paint if they get written permission from the landlord. In fact, many landlords prefer that you seek approval before making improvements or repairs on their property. It is best to have this preference clearly stated in the lease agreement.

Are landlords required to paint after a tenant moves out?

It depends on the lease agreement the new tenant is okay with signing. Suppose the interior paint meets the standard for habitability. If it is not peeling or lead-based, you may not need the paint to be new.

However, the laws in a few places require landlords to paint rental units between tenants. Similarly, you may decide to pass on a rental apartment that is not freshly painted.

How often should a landlord paint between tenants?

As a landlord, you must know state laws and local jurisdiction rules relating to painting rental units. This can guide you in deciding how often to paint your rental property.

In some locations, city laws require landlords to paint their rental properties if there is a safety issue, such as mold or lead paint. Meanwhile, you may need to repaint after every two to four years.

Are move-out tenants required to paint rental properties?

Again, you need to consider the lease agreement. If there's a clause to repaint the walls when moving out, then you need to do it. Alternatively, you may pay the owner to do it professionally or have it deducted from the security deposit.

What if a tenant painted over the original color?

Sometimes, landlords do not permit tenants to paint rental units unless they agree to repaint the walls to an approved color before leaving. As such, if a tenant painted the walls differently, they would need to repaint them to the original color.

Things to Consider Before Painting Rental Properties

If you have recognized the need to paint the walls in your rental apartment, you should not just go ahead and paint. Consider the following factors before you start painting.

Lease agreement

Some property owners do not allow tenants to paint their rental homes. As such, you should first find out what your lease agreement says about allowing tenants to paint the property.

Some rental property owners are okay with you repainting the walls in a rental house. Others have specific requirements and conditions you should meet if you want to repaint the walls.

Durability of the paint job

Interior paint jobs should be able to last between five to ten years. This is because paint wears out and becomes faded over time. Also, wear and tear occurs due to scuffs, marks, and chips. Choosing the right paint type, brand, and quality of paint can help increase the durability of wall painting.

Choosing the right paints

The quality of paint you use can determine the lifespan of your rental property's interior paint job. You also need to choose the correct finish if you want good durability. Different types of paint finishes have specific surfaces where they function best.

For example, high gloss finishes are easy to clean, and flat/matte paint finishes are great for low-traffic rooms such as bedrooms.

Choosing paint colors

When painting your property's interior, you must choose the right colors. This can make a difference in attracting potential tenants. That is why most landlords stick to relatively neutral colors. For example, you may use off-white, sage, or cream colors. Some landlords provide tenants with a list of approved colors for move-out repainting.

Security Deposits and Painting Rental Units

As a landlord, you would be wise to note the rental or apartment walls' condition during move-in inspections. Subsequently, you can then quote any repair cost to the tenant and deduct it from their security deposit. This is the case if you notice chips or damages that exceed expectations.

It is important to note that tenants only need to pay for the cost of painting damaged areas that exceed normal wear and tear. If a tenant moves out and the amount of wear and tear is typical for the painted wall's expected lifespan, then there should be no charge for repainting.

Pro Tips for Painting Rental Apartments

The following tips are helpful if you're considering painting your apartment walls. This is also the case if you're an investment property owner.

• Before starting your apartment painting process, you need to choose the right wall colors. Rather than use bold colors, use neutral colors. Many property owners paint their rentals in a neutral color which enables them to rent quickly.
• You may protect countertops with contact paper and remove them when it's time to move out.
• It is wise to create an inventory before a tenant moves in. The tenant and the landlord can refer to this video or image documentation subsequently. Image and video records act as good references for the rental property's condition in cases relating to property damage or painting jobs.
• Sand down and clean before painting your apartment walls. This helps the new paint apply more easily.
• When you paint apartment walls or when painting rental apartments, you may need to find out and keep to city codes in your area.

Why Use a Professional Painting Service?

You have two choices for rental painting projects. You could do a DIY painting job or hire a painting contractor for a professional painting job. There are benefits to using a professional when painting your rental property.

They include the following:

• If you're doing a DIY painting job, the chances of having paint spills on carpets, flooring, and door handles are higher. This results in higher costs of painting.
• If you're a tenant, you may just contravene the terms of your lease agreement. You may potentially forfeit part or all of your security deposit.

Professional Paint Contractors Can Help

After reviewing this post, you should understand that you can paint walls in a rental house, depending on your lease agreement. Meanwhile, it would be best if you considered the relevant factors before painting rental properties, such as the suitable types of paint and paint colors.

Ultimately, you may simply decide to hire a professional paint contractor. After all, they can do a hassle-free rental apartment painting job. In that case, your decision is highly justified. They can do an excellent interior painting job on your rental property. This includes door painting and window painting.

Your rental property's exterior will not be left out either since they can do your exterior painting projects. Moreover, you can also invite them to perform drywall repairs, wood staining and even attend to property maintenance requests.