For a rental property, the best paint combines high durability with easy touch-ups. 100% acrylic latex paints are the industry standard because they resist scuffs and are easy to clean. The secret to rental durability lies in choosing the right paint finish based on the area's traffic.
The best paint for a rental property is a high-quality, washable satin or eggshell finish in a neutral color. Using consistent neutrals throughout the property speeds up turnover times because you can easily touch up scuffs without having to repaint the entire wall or switch colors.
The 2 percent rule in real estate is a quick test investors use to measure how profitable a rental property might be. It states that the monthly rent should be equal to or greater than 2 percent of the property's purchase price.
The best rental homes paints are satin and eggshell finishes. In a rental home, you need a paint finish which is both durable and easy to clean. Basic emulsion paint works well as it does the job in terms of durability and affordability.
The deemed lifespan of paint is 7-10 years. If walls have not been repainted during this time, even if any damage is beyond fair wear and tear, the landlord has not suffered any loss and cannot claim repainting costs (Acevska v Foss [2010] NSWCTTT 541).
In general, it's recommended that you repaint your property every three to five years. If a tenant has lived in a space for five years, then you may be required to paint the unit. This can be the case even if the tenant has lived in the space for a shorter amount of time.
Bad References or No References
If a reference raises concerns or refuses to comment, it's worth digging deeper. Likewise, applicants who don't provide references at all may be hiding past evictions, unpaid rent, or lease violations.
Light colours are easier for your landlord to paint over after you move out and will make the space feel bright and airy. We recommend shades like Fine Cream and Jasmine White for a neutral base in any room.
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.
Steely, cool grays are being replaced by warmer, earthy neutrals. Instead of flat greys, designers are favoring cozy, nature-inspired hues that bring depth and comfort to interiors.
It suggests that, on average, property owners can expect to use about half of their rental income to cover operating expenses and maintenance costs. This rule serves as a helpful guide for making informed decisions and maintaining financial stability in real estate ventures.
Certain things are better left unsaid, such as...
A famous quote by Andrew Carnegie suggests that real estate ownership creates 90% of millionaires. While wealth managers debate the exact percentage, most modern research—such as studies by Ramsey Solutions and GOBankingRates—agrees that real estate and disciplined long-term investing are the primary drivers.
Neutral colors like beige, cream, gray or white paint are suitable as they attract various tastes. Light tones reflect natural light and help open up small spaces. Neutral tones are the best option for rental homes, but they can be interpreted as boring.
Tenants usually need permission from the landlord before making any major changes to the decor of the property, such as painting. If they do paint or decorate, they may be required to return the property to its original state at the end of the tenancy unless agreed otherwise with the landlord.
How to Make Your Rental Property More Marketable
Paint Durability
Although both matte and eggshell paints are durable, eggshell finishes tend to be the more durable and washable of the two options. If you're looking for paint that can withstand more frequent washing and minor stains, eggshell paint is the better choice.
The best paint for a rental property is a high-quality, washable satin or eggshell finish in a neutral color. Using consistent neutrals throughout the property speeds up turnover times because you can easily touch up scuffs without having to repaint the entire wall or switch colors.
Red is universally considered the hardest paint color to cover. Vibrant red pigments are highly transparent and inherently prone to bleeding through subsequent layers. Other notoriously difficult colors to cover include black, dark blue, dark green, and bright yellow.
Paint for Rental Properties and Upcoming Home Sales
With that in mind, we recommend: Winner: Sherwin-Williams Property Solutions Interior Latex - $66 per gallon. Runner Up: Painter's Edge - $70 per gallon.
Top 10 Timeless Paint Colors for Your Home
Impact on Tenant Turnover
Neutral-colored walls, such as white, gray, or beige, appeal to the widest range of potential renters. When tenants paint in personal or bold colors, the unit may become harder to rent in the future.
Most landlord problems don't start with the tenant…they start with the screening process. After 4 years as a landlord, I've learned you can't rely on “vibes” or first impressions. Every tenant I approve goes through the same process… background check, credit check, income verification.
The 30% rule advises consumers spend no more than 30% of their monthly income on their mortgage or rent payments, leaving wiggle room in case of unexpected expenses, job loss, family planning, and other goals.
Factors that decrease property value the most fall into three main categories: location issues, structural damage, and poor neighborhood conditions. These factors can collectively slash a property’s value by 5% to 30% or more.