As a rental property owner, you know that keeping your rental property in good condition is an important part of the property management process. Part of maintaining the condition of your unit is painting the walls in order to keep the space feeling fresh and new. If you’re wondering when you need to paint your rental property, every three to five years is the typical timeframe for most property owners.
It usually isn’t necessary to repaint every time a tenant moves out, unless they have made a mess of the walls, or the property obviously needs an update. There isn’t a law in Orlando, Florida that requires a fresh coat of paint between tenants, as it’s your responsibility to make sure the property is safe and habitable, but when it comes to repainting, it’s up to you. Paint that is worn, dirty, or is in an unappealing shade doesn’t make the house uninhabitable, but it has the potential to put off tenants, and can perhaps affect their decision to renew their lease. One thing to note is, while it isn’t your tenant’s responsibility to paint the property, you could allow them to paint it an approved color that they like if you would prefer not to do it yourself.
You also may want to consider the cost of painting your property to know how frequently you should do it. It’s not just the cost of the paint, but brushes and other materials if you choose to do it yourself. Hiring a professional decorator will typically cost more; expect to pay between $20 and $50 an hour to have your rental property professionally painted. The timing can also be problematic, as it makes the most sense to paint in between tenants when your property is empty, although you don’t want to leave it vacant for longer than necessary or you could lose some revenue.
Although there are no firm requirements for how often you paint your rental property, most tenants appreciate a fresh coat of paint in the same way that updated fixtures and modern appliances can attract new tenants and keep existing tenants. It’s no surprise that a potential tenant would rather move into a newly updated property than one that looks faded, dingy, and not very well-kept. Regardless of the cost of painting, it’s one of the most affordable ways to make your property appealing to prospective tenants.
One way to know for sure that you need to repaint is if your walls have noticeable dents or chips in them. It can be very beneficial to fill cracks and holes and then repaint, as this can really show a tenant how well you will take care of them and your property. Another approach is to repaint only certain rooms or higher traffic areas of your home, such as the living room and bathroom. These areas may need a new paint job more often than the hallway or a spare bedroom, for example. Ultimately, if your rental property hasn’t been painted in several years and it shows, it’s probably time to repaint.
Our team at Specialized Property Management Orlando Florida knows what tenants look for in a rental property, and we can help your property stand out to prospective residents. For more information, call us at 407-698-3322 or contact us online today!
