One of the simplest ways to improve your rental property is by adding a fresh coat of paint. Not only does it improve your return on investment, but it can make your property look better than before with little effort. That said, many investors aren\u2019t sure how often you should paint your rental and how much it will cost. So let\u2019s go over how to tell when it\u2019s time to repaint and how much you can expect it to cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n You\u2019ll know it may be time for fresh paint when walls are noticeably chipped, peeling, cracked, stained, or otherwise deteriorated. However, landlords should use extra caution with properties built before 1978, which may contain lead-based paint. Deteriorating lead-based paint can create serious health hazards and may be subject to federal, state, or local requirements. Before painting or disturbing painted surfaces in an older rental, property owners should determine which lead-safe work practices and disclosure requirements apply.<\/p>\n Otherwise, <\/span>it\u2019s up to the landlord\u2019s discretion<\/span><\/a>. If you want to switch up the colors of your property or change the overall vibe, you can paint your property whenever you see fit. Sometimes, scuff marks, furniture marks, and small holes are noticeable throughout a rental, which may be a reason to paint. However, these reasons don\u2019t affect habitability.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Take a hard look at all the walls in your rental after one tenant moves out. Are there significant scuff marks, damaged paint areas, or obnoxious furniture marks? It may help to paint over these spots if you don\u2019t feel like repainting the entire property. On the other hand, if the damage is extensive and makes the property look lackluster, consider a full repaint.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Some landlords choose to repaint every few years, but there\u2019s no universal repainting schedule. How often a rental needs fresh paint depends on factors like paint quality, property condition, turnover, and normal wear and tear.<\/p>\n The <\/span>cost of painting a rental property<\/span><\/a> depends on how many rooms you want to paint, what type of paint you want to use, and if you plan on hiring contractors. On average, it could cost a total of $1,000-$3,800 to paint your rental property.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The average cost to paint an apartment is around $1 to $3 per square foot. So, you can calculate an estimate if you multiply the average by the square feet of your rental. But, the actual cost depends on the quality of paint you choose. The higher the quality of the paint, the more expensive it will be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The next deciding factor will be whether or not you hire professional painters to complete the job. Painting the property yourself can reduce labor costs, but you\u2019ll have to set aside enough time to complete the job. On the other hand, you can save time by hiring contractors. Again, however, you\u2019ll have to factor in the cost.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The average cost to hire a painter is around $20 to $50 per hour. However, most contractors estimate the time it will take to paint and charge a fixed price per project. So next, let\u2019s discuss whether or not you should hire a professional to paint your rental.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining their rental properties, although whether repainting is required depends on the property\u2019s condition, the lease, and applicable state and local laws.<\/p>\n Owners can potentially save money by painting their rental properties themselves. However, painting takes significant time and effort, and additional requirements may apply to older properties. For example, work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 rentals may be subject to federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) requirements. Landlords should determine whether these requirements apply before sanding, scraping, or otherwise disturbing painted surfaces as part of a DIY project.<\/p>\n Hiring a professional may be worthwhile if you don\u2019t have painting experience, have a large project, or want to complete the work efficiently between tenants. A contractor hired by your management team can likely handle the project swiftly and efficiently. If you want tips for choosing the best paint and finish for your rental property, just keep reading.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Painting can be a large rental property expense. Therefore, choosing the right paints and finishes<\/a><\/span> is crucial to get the most from your investment. For rental properties, in particular, durability is extremely important. However, you can balance quality with affordability to ensure the best results. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while choosing the best paint and finish for your rental.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For rental properties, many owners choose neutral colors that complement a wide range of furniture and d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n Popular options include beige, gray, tan, cream, and other neutral shades. You don\u2019t have to paint every wall white to keep the property neutral and appealing to a broad range of renters.<\/p>\n Rental properties may require more frequent repainting due to tenant turnover and normal wear and tear, which can increase maintenance costs over time. As such, the costs of periodically repainting your rental property can quickly add up. So, choosing durable yet affordable paint is best for your pockets and your ROI.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Remember that your walls might need two coats of paint to achieve the best results. Therefore, choosing a mid-grade paint that\u2019s still good quality is the best-case scenario. Another way to save money on paint is by buying one color for several rentals. That way, you don\u2019t have to choose different colors for each property, and you can save money buying paint in bulk.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Rentals experience higher turnover rates than owner-occupied homes. As such, wear and tear is often more noticeable on your painted surfaces in a rental. As a result, the finish you choose for your paint job can make all the difference. Here are a few different finish options and where to use them in your rental.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n There is no universal rule for how often a rental property should be repainted. The right schedule depends on the condition of the walls, quality of the existing paint, tenant turnover, and normal wear and tear. Some properties may benefit from fresh paint every few years, while others may go longer between paint jobs.<\/p>\n Not necessarily. Whether repainting is required depends on the property\u2019s condition, the lease, and applicable state and local laws. Cosmetic scuffs or marks don\u2019t always require a full repaint, while deteriorated paint or other property conditions may need to be addressed.<\/p>\n Landlords can handle some painting projects themselves, but additional requirements may apply to older properties. Work that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 rentals may be subject to federal Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP)<\/a> requirements. Property owners should determine which rules apply before beginning a DIY project.<\/p>\n Many rental property owners choose neutral colors, such as beige, gray, tan, or cream. Neutral shades can complement a wide range of furniture and d\u00e9cor while making it easier to use the same color throughout a property or across multiple rentals.<\/p>\n The best finish depends on the room and how much wear the surface receives. Satin and semi-gloss finishes can work well in areas that require greater durability and easier cleaning, while matte, flat, or eggshell finishes may be better suited for certain lower-traffic areas.<\/p>\n It depends on the size and complexity of the project, your painting experience, and how quickly you need the work completed. Hiring a professional may be worthwhile for larger projects or when you want to complete painting efficiently between tenants.<\/p>\n![\"painting-rental-property\"](\"https:\/\/www.baymgmtgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/shutterstock_1152152381.jpg\"\/)
![\"painting-rental-property\"](\"https:\/\/www.baymgmtgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/shutterstock_1152152381.jpg\")
<\/p>\nKey Takeaways<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
How to Know If Your Rental Needs Fresh Paint<\/b><\/h2>\n
How Much Does It Cost to Paint Your Rental?<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"professional-painter\"](\"https:\/\/www.baymgmtgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/shutterstock_405165529.jpg\"\/)
![\"professional-painter\"](\"https:\/\/www.baymgmtgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/shutterstock_405165529.jpg\")
<\/p>\nShould You Hire Professionals to Paint Your Rental?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
Tips for Choosing the Best Paint and Finish<\/b><\/h2>\n
\n
Color Is Crucial<\/b><\/h3>\n
![\"choosing-paint-and-finish\"](\"https:\/\/www.baymgmtgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/shutterstock_271173746.jpg\"\/)
![\"choosing-paint-and-finish\"](\"https:\/\/www.baymgmtgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/shutterstock_271173746.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBalance Durability with Affordability<\/b><\/h3>\n
Choose the Right Finish<\/b><\/h3>\n
\n
FAQ About Painting a Rental Property<\/strong><\/h2>\n
How Often Should You Paint a Rental Property?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Do Landlords Have to Paint Between Tenants?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Can a Landlord Paint a Rental Property Themselves?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What Is the Best Paint Color for a Rental Property?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What Is the Best Paint Finish for a Rental Property?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Should You Hire a Professional to Paint a Rental Property?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
How Can Property Management Help Paint Your Rental?<\/b><\/h2>\n