Should I Allow Tenants to Paint My Rental Property?

Key Takeaways

• Allowing tenants to paint can increase satisfaction and long-term retention but comes with risks like damage or poor-quality work.
• Landlords can reduce potential issues by requiring professional painters, setting color guidelines, and having tenants repaint upon move-out.
• A clear landlord-tenant painting agreement helps balance tenant personalization with property protection.

As a landlord, you’ll have to make certain difficult decisions when renting out property. Among these is whether or not to allow tenants to paint your rental property.

On one hand, allowing a tenant to do so can help make them feel comfortable and happy. And when a tenant is happy, guess what? That usually results in a happy landlord, as well. Happy tenants are more likely to take care of their rented premises, report issues quickly, pay rent on time, and renew their leases multiple times.

But on the other hand, allowing a tenant to paint their rented premises can be fraught with certain risks. The paint job can be costly to revert, or it can lead to damage exceeding normal wear and tear, among others.

So, what should you do? Our team at McCourt Real Estate & Property Management have put together some of the pros and cons of allowing tenants to paint their rented premises.

Pros of Allowing Tenants to Paint Your Rental Property

There are some compelling reasons why you may want to allow your tenant to paint their rented premises. As mentioned, this can benefit your bottom line in various ways.

1. It can make the property feel more like home

Being able to personalize their rented premises is one of the most sought-after amenities by tenants. This can make them appreciate their rented premises more. As a result, this can lead to long-term tenancies. If it feels like “home” to them they are more likely to stay.

And long-term tenancies can provide you with financial stability and peace of mind.

2. It’s an easier way to cover imperfections

Over time, walls can become stained, scuffed, or damaged. And rather than undergoing expensive remodeling costs, you can allow tenants to paint over those imperfections.

This can be a win-win for both you and the resident. On your part, it’d have saved you some repair and maintenance costs. And for your tenant, it’d have allowed them to personalize their living spaces for a more satisfying experience.

3. It leads to a higher level of satisfaction

As a landlord, having a satisfied tenant is key to your success. When a tenant is satisfied, they are more likely to feel more invested in their rented home and care for it. In addition, they are more likely to abide by the lease terms, including paying rent on time, every time.

Consequently, this can lead to a better return on investment on your part.

4. Painting is a relatively simple process

Unlike most other rental upgrades, there is usually nothing complicated about painting walls. Generally, you only require paint, rollers, old sheets, and some other simple painting supplies.

What’s more, it’s a job that doesn’t necessarily require professional help. Some basic DIY skills usually suffice. However, as a landlord, this is a risk you wouldn’t want to experiment with. Always insist on professional painting services.

Cons of Allowing Tenants to Paint Your Rental Property

Allowing tenants to paint their rented premises isn’t without its share of potential shortcomings. Knowing them can help you make better decisions as to whether or not to allow them to paint.

The following are some potential issues that may arise.

1. The flooring can get stained

Have you installed wooden flooring in your rental property? If so, allowing the tenant to paint the walls can lead to staining of the floor.
And if that should happen, you may be forced to redo the entire apartment’s flooring, as removing paint from wooden flooring can be tough.

Aside from a wooden floor, other items that can get stained during the painting process include kitchen cabinets and light switches or furniture if not properly moved, which is important if your rental property is furnished.

2. The paint job can be uneven

If the tenant chooses to go with cheap professional services or does it themselves, the outcome may turn out to be uninspiring. The paint job can turn out to be uneven, which can cost you money to do the repainting.

Aside from uneven paint, other potential issues can include the following.

• Poor quality work.
• Spilled paint on carpets, countertops, or appliances.

A paint job can also be used by a tenant to try to hide damage to a property, so make sure to take extra care when inspecting a newly-painted wall.

3. Certain colors can be hard to remove

Some colors can be hard to remove from surfaces. That’s why it’s important for landlords to have a pre-approved interior color scheme for their tenants. This way, you’ll have more control over the choice of colors the tenant can paint on the walls.

Guidelines to Help Minimize Potential Damages to Your Property

Luckily, most of the cons can be minimized if you come up with a landlord-tenant painting agreement. These guidelines can help make the proposal more attractive for you, while still giving the tenant the freedom to personalize their living spaces.

The following are some things to include in the landlord-tenant painting agreement:

Charge a Painting Fee

Charge the tenant a fee for the opportunity to personalize their living spaces. This can help compensate for any risks that can arise during the painting process.

Ask Tenants to Repaint the Property Upon Moving Out

Require the tenant to revert the changes when looking to move out. This will ensure the tenant returns their rented premises in the same move-in condition, save for normal wear and tear.

Hire Professional Painting Services

Don’t let the tenant experiment with their DIY skills on your property. Require them to only work with professionals that you have approved.

Limit Their Options

Don’t just let the tenant do whatever they want with the property when it comes to painting. Be specific about what areas they can paint.

Bottom Line

There you have it. The pros and cons of allowing tenants to paint their rented premises. Consider all of them carefully before concluding on what to do.

For expert help in any aspect of property management, don’t hesitate to contact McCourt Real Estate & Property Management. We’re a reliable and professional full-service property management company serving Midland, TX. Get in touch to learn more!