Do most apartments let you paint the walls?

Author: Pierce Gleason  |  Last update: Sunday, July 20, 2025

Most leases have rules that will allow for some painting (with permission), but usually limit your colour selection. The main reason for the limitations has to do with the keeping down the turnover costs between tenants.

Do apartments let you paint walls?

The language chosen in a rental contract should give the landlord the right to decide whether to allow renters to repaint or not. If you paint your apartment walls without the proper consent from the landlord, they have the right to bill you to repaint the walls back to the normal color when you move out.

Will most landlords let you paint?

One of the most controversial questions amongst landlords is, “Should I let my tenant paint their rental property?” Many landlords will give an immediate “no” for an answer. However, some may genuinely consider giving their tenants the option. Ultimately, it's up to you and your preferences.

Do apartments repaint when you move out?

It's pretty normal to repaint the walls when moving out of a rental apartment. Be sure to do it properly, as they will asses your work and if they don't find it satisfactory, you'll foot the additional paint costs.

Is paint included in the wear and tear?

Wear and tear is not caused by abuse or neglect. Examples of wear and tear include: Paint is scuffed or peeling. Grout is dirty.

COMMON INTERIOR DESIGN MISTAKES + How to Fix Them | Accent Walls Dos and Don'ts

Are dirty walls considered normal wear and tear?

This would include things like an excessive build-up of dirt, painting, and drawings on the wall. However, if the tenant has been living in the unit for three or more years, you cannot charge them for a repaint as it is considered routine maintenance, as long-term deterioration would be regarded as wear and tear.

Is painting an apartment normal wear and tear?

Normal wear and tear happens naturally over time with any tenant, even with care and regular maintenance. It includes things like faded paint, worn carpet, and minor scuffs or marks on walls. Normal wear and tear is expected, and it is not the tenant's responsibility to fix or pay for it.

How do I ask my landlord to paint walls?

Key Points To Mention When You Ask For Permission

mention if you have painted before and have experience. Note that you will maintain a clean work environment by taping off trim and protecting the floors with drop cloths. Offer to repaint the walls to the original color before leaving.

Do landlords have to clean between tenants?

Tenants are required to leave the unit in a reasonably clean condition while landlords also need to provide a reasonably clean unit at move in. In a perfect world, landlords won't need to pay out of his own pocket for cleaning in between tenants.

Do I have to fill holes in walls when moving an apartment?

Most leases state that to receive your deposit back the unit has to be clean and in the same condition as when you moved in. If you put holes in the walls to hang pictures you should fill those. If larger holes you should hire a professional to patch them.

Can you put nails in apartment walls?

Some landlords will note if you are allowed to drill holes or not. If your lease states that you are not allowed to hammer nails into the wall, it may also outline how much money will be deducted from your security deposit per nail hole.

Can you hang pictures in a rental?

Most landlords will consider picture hooks a “minor alteration” and permission is usually granted. Many tenancy agreements state that tenants are not able to hang pictures via alternative methods such as Blu Tack, washi tape and adhesive hooks.

Can a landlord paint a house while occupied?

In conclusion, while it is possible to paint a house while it is occupied, it is important to navigate the process with care and consideration for both legal requirements and tenant rights.

Can you paint an apartment in one day?

At times it makes sense to try to finish a paint job in 1 day, and there are small to medium sized jobs that can be done in 1 day with multiple crews that turn out wonderfully. It is recommended, however, that you consider a longer time frame so that quality does not have to be sacrificed for speed.

How to change wall color in rental?

6 Renter-Friendly Temporary Wall Covering Solutions
  1. Wall Decals. ...
  2. Temporary Wallpaper. ...
  3. Removable Tile Backsplash. ...
  4. Original Art. ...
  5. Framed Photographs. ...
  6. Decorative Tapestries.

Can paint fumes pass through apartment walls?

These fumes can travel through ventilation systems, cracks in walls, and shared air spaces, impacting residents in neighboring apartments. Exposure to paint fumes can cause a variety of health problems, including: Respiratory irritation: Eye, nose, and throat irritation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.

Do landlords care if your apartment is messy?

Technically, landlords shouldn't be telling tenants how and when to clean, but if their cleanliness is becoming a health hazard or could damage your property, this is a valid reason to address it. Some tenants may not see their messiness as a problem. After all, they're the ones living in it, so why should it matter?

How clean does my apartment need to be when I move out?

What Defines Move-Out Cleaning?
  • Remove All Nails From the Walls and Patch the Holes. ...
  • Repaint, If Needed. ...
  • Wipe Down All Doors and Door Frames. ...
  • Dust the Ceiling Fans. ...
  • Clean Windows and Mirrors. ...
  • Clean Out All the Cupboards and Cabinets. ...
  • Deep Clean Any Sinks, Tubs, Showers — and Toilets. ...
  • Make Your Appliances Look Like New.

Do tenants have to clean windows?

In multi-unit residential properties or commercial buildings, landlords often take responsibility for ensuring clean windows in shared spaces such as entrance halls, communal staircases, and lifts. Tenants, however, typically hold responsibility for cleaning windows situated within their individual units.

Do most landlords let you paint?

No, to the contrary, most landlords choose not to let their tenants paint due to the risk of them doing a poor job or choosing colors that devalue the property.

Can my landlord make me paint before I move out?

If you have lived in the home for more than two years, more than likely the home will need to be painted, and per California law, it would be the responsibility of the owner. The exception would be if you maliciously damage the walls or painted the walls a different color.

Is painting a rental property a repair?

Generally, if the purpose of painting is to maintain the property's current state or address the inevitable effects of wear and tear, it is categorized as a repair expense.

Can I be evicted for a hole in the wall?

Willfully or carelessly breaking out windows, punching holes in the walls, and ripping up the carpet are all good examples of property damage that would likely be a reason to evict. Take pictures of the damage and keep for your records as proof. Give the tenant proper notice that he will be evicted.

Can a landlord sue you for leaving furniture?

That means he can sue one or all of you for any damage to the property regardless of who caused it. That being said, it's been a day and he's just making noise. You are going to be responsible for any costs of moving left over furniture, any necessary cleaning, and anything above reasonable wear and tear.

Are scratches on the floor normal wear and tear?

The California-based tenant law firm Tobener & Ravenscroft defines normal wear and tear as the “unavoidable deterioration of a unit resulting from normal use by the tenant.” To be more specific, this definition logically implies that wear and tear consists of things like: Minor scrapes or scratches in wood floors.

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