What to Do If Your Tenant Wants To Paint

Posted on: July 03, 2007

Choosing colors to fit one’s tastes and the furniture is part of making a house a home. What should you do when your renter wants to paint or repair your unit? Depending on the condition of the house or apartment this may be acceptable to you. Here are some great tips on how to handle it.

Make it Part of Your Rental Contract

Make sure your rental agreement includes this statement, “painting, repairs, or any changes to Property shall first be approved by Landlord.”

Confirm paint colors won’t lower the property’s appeal; when the unit is turned over, it takes many coats of light, neutral paint to cover dark colors.

Ask how much painting experience they have. Without an experienced painter you may end up with a sloppy joy. Paint on fixtures, floors, windows, woodwork, appliances, are difficult to remove; worse yet, you may have a half-done job to finish or cover. Remind tenants any damage to other surfaces can be deducted from any deposits.

Repairs and Alterations Done By Tenant

It is usually best to hire professionals for electrical, structural, and plumbing repairs. All work should be done under permit to avoid hazardous conditions. Remind tenant all repairs must be done to code, meet building restrictions, zoning ordinances, and local, state, and federal rules.

Do not allow tenant to deduct any labor or materials from rent. Instead get the rent and pay them accordingly. If it is a big job, have them bid the job before they start. Only pay them when the job is completed correctly and to your standards; otherwise, let them enjoy the results they wanted.

By the way, this is a great time to get renters insurance.

Article written by Doug Waddle, Broker for portlandrealestate.com