4 Interior Painting Tips for Rental Properties (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to paint a rental property? ›

The recommended finish for your rental property is eggshell, followed by satin, as they are easier to clean. They are attractive and easy to clean. Although hi-gloss is the easiest to clean, it may not be appealing due to its sheen.

Satin – The soft sheen of satin paint makes it the ideal choice for most of the rooms in a rental property. The finish is durable and perfect for both low and high traffic areas. Semi-gloss – Easy to clean, thanks to a glossy finish, this paint is ideal for kitchens and baths.

Neutral tones are more calming, they go with everything and they make a property look light and bright, providing an illusion of space. And you don't have to use magnolia! Warm yellows, soft greys and light beiges work just as well.

While most apartment owners do allow tenants to paint, it's important to find out for sure before you start. First, take a look at the lease to see if there are any restrictions or rules about painting. If it's not clear in the lease, ask your landlord or management office what the guidelines are.

There's no clear cut answer and it mostly comes up to personal preference, though, in most cases, it's easier to paint the trim first since it's a more seamless process to tape off the trim than tape the walls. Plus, walls can be uneven, so taping the trim is more likely to leave you with a clean crisp line.

From a professional point of view, with interior painting, it makes the most sense to paint your trim first, then ceilings, and then your walls. It's much easier and faster to tape off trim than to tape off your walls. And you definitely don't want the hassle of taping them both.

Key Takeaways: Cut-in and painting on the same day are recommended for the best results. Wait for the trim to dry completely before painting to avoid an uneven finish.

Wipe down the walls and use painter's tape to cover edges or surfaces — moldings, doorways, window sills — that you won't be painting. Don't: Remove all the lighting. After all, you'll need proper lighting to see what you are doing. Also don't tape over windows as you'll need to ventilate the space.

What is the best time to paint interior? ›

When is the Best Time to Paint Your House Interior? The winter is the best time to paint your home's interior. Putting up a fresh coat of paint during the cooler months can actually benefit how the paint dries and save you money on a professional painting service.

Any “landlord off-white” tends to be a more palatable neutral, less expensive per gallon, and most importantly: it hides dirt. With landlords overseeing multiple units, possibly on multiple properties, time and cost are critical. They can stockpile cans and trust that the color will work in any situation.

The reason almost every rental unit is painted flat is because every unit is painted between every tenant. The reason for this is that you can never trust a tenant to keep the walls in perfect condition.

Repainting a rental property is not a very expensive investment. Plus, it's one that gives landlords a lot of bang for their bucks. Repaint your rental property often or every few years to provide beauty, value, quality, and satisfaction to your renters. Paint maintains and protects the walls.

Generally, landlords decide to repaint a rental every 2 to 5 years. It's not necessary or cost-effective to repaint after every tenant moves out. After all, the costs of materials and labor can add up quickly. Next, let's go over how much it will cost to paint your rental.

Painting without the landlord's permission can be seen as an act of vandalism as it technically is damaging someone else's property. Doing so could result in your landlord retaining a portion of your deposit.