Given the current trend of making homes aesthetic, you may find residents requesting to have the rental painted with another shade. Should you approve this request? What are the consequences of allowing renters to do so?
Often, landlords choose neutral tones to paint their units to prevent color clashing. However, your tenants can have some preferences, resulting in them wanting to make their homes more personal and customized. This can include choosing the colors in the wall paint.
In this article, TE Johnson & Sons will share the options landlords have at their disposal when dealing with such a request from a resident.
Is It Okay to Allow Residents to Paint the Rental Unit?
When tenants ask to paint the rental on their own, you won’t have to pay for the paint project and the tools required. However, if the renter requests you to paint the unit, you have three ways to respond such as:
Say No
You don’t have to accommodate a resident’s request to paint the rental unit. Just keep in mind to remain polite when turning down the request. Offer ideas to enhance the interiors without changing the paint colors.
You can allow wallpaper to be put up since this can be easily removed and changed compared to repainting the entire house. It also means putting in extra effort to have the property repainted when the lease term ends and the resident decides not to renew.
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Ensure that high-quality wallpapers are used when taking this route so it will not damage the walls or leave marks on your walls. You don’t want to end up paying for future repairs.
Approve the Request but Set Conditions
You can allow residents to change the paint palette but conditions have to be followed. This is a good compromise since both you and the renter get what you desire. You still have control over how the paint project will go and the renter has the option to paint the unit.
Here are a couple of points you need to agree on with the renter when it comes to painting the rental property:
What Colors Can Be Used?
Show a renter the range of colors they can choose from. This helps you limit the garish and flashy colors that can ruin the appearance of your rental space. When the renter plans to move out, it will still be easier to attract new tenants and showcase the unit during property showings. You also skip repainting the unit back to its original shade.
Which Areas and Rooms of the Rental Can Be Painted?
You can specify parts of the property for painting. Changing the paint back of the entire unit can require a lot of effort, not to mention time. You also want to avoid ruining natural textures and this can be hard to revert to its former look.
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Who Will Pay for the Repainting?
You can discuss this with the tenant who will shoulder the costs of the paint updates. When the lease expires, you will need to pay for the repainting back to the original shade, so make sure this is covered and the fee amount will be sufficient. Before setting a fee, make sure to study the local laws to ensure this is permitted.
Say Yes
If you are open and flexible, you can fully approve the resident’s request without reservations or conditions. It will make renters happy and this can also encourage them to stay for the long term. Before saying yes, conduct proper research on the upsides and downsides of granting full approval to painting requests.
To eliminate future conflicts with the residents, setting the right conditions is the way to go. Talk with the tenants before the painting update so you are aware of their vision. You can make suggestions and offer your opinions as well.
Fully approving a resident’s request can spell risks for landlords since this leads to many scenarios. However, it can also be a positive decision since you create a stronger bond with your residents.
Staying flexible can inspire renters not to move to another unit because applying upgrades can create a homey atmosphere. As a landlord, tenant loyalty is one of your aims.
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What Are Things to Consider in Allowing Renters to Paint the Unit?
A myriad of results can occur when a renter is permitted to apply paint changes to the unit. As a landlord, you always retain control when it comes to the palette used and you can also put a stop when things get out of hand.
In addition, you can change your mind about allowing renters to paint the property.
Just ensure that you carefully read through your state’s laws when it comes to disclosing lead paint. If your unit is affected by this, then it makes sense for renters to change the paint for health reasons.
It is an acceptable request but if your property is new, then this does not impact you. Properties built before 1978 are the ones at risk.
You can still approve or decline requests from renters on paint updates. If a resident has made property changes without authority or permission from you, you can deduct the fees from their security deposit.
How to Limit the Risks of Allowing Residents to Repaint the Unit?
Make sure to state a specific clause and the painting fees on the lease. You can also approve the contractor, and color used. Create a policy of having the unit repainted to the original color when the resident decides not to renew.
Bottom Line
As you welcome more tenants over time, you can expect to receive a request to paint the property another color. You can be flexible but protect your rental investment at the same time by setting conditions. You’re also free to decline, approve, and set conditions for this request.
Are you seeking a reliable property manager to oversee your rental property? If yes, contact TE Johnson and Sons today!
