It is your priority as a tenant to make your place of residence feel like home. Painting the interior walls of a rental property is one of the most popular methods of personalizing it. But before reaching for a paintbrush, it is wise to know the rules and regulations that apply in determining whether tenants can paint the walls of a rented house. This guide will address the question of whether tenants are allowed to paint the interior walls of the place they rent, what should be done in case you are interested in painting, and what may happen if you paint without permission.
The Basics of Renting and Painting
Renting an apartment or house means you are borrowing the property of another person. The structure is owned by the landlord, and you are paying to stay in it. That relationship comes with certain expectations and rules. Although, tenants are usually allowed to enjoy their living areas, they must still follow the agreement of the lease. One of those terms can be related to the change of the property, which can be the painting of the walls.
What Does a Lease Say About Painting?
In a typical rental contract, the lease will have a section that will discuss changes to the rental unit. This usually says that the tenants are not allowed to modify the property without the consent of the landlord. This involves painting, installing of fixtures, and any structural adjustments.
However, not all leases are the same. Some may expressly permit tenants to paint the walls under some conditions; others may not permit painting at all. Before you repaint the property, it is important to check your lease to see whether you are allowed to make any changes to the property.
Why Painting Could Be Restricted
Landlords may restrict painting for several reasons, including:
Damage Prevention: Unauthorized painting can cause damage, e.g., paint stains on carpets or furniture, or improper color combinations when the space needs to be repainted.
Return to Original Condition: The landlords usually require tenants to leave the rental in the same condition it was when they moved in. If a tenant paints the walls without the consent of the landlord, then it might be hard to get the walls to their former state.
Uniformity: Most landlords would like all of the units to look neutral or uniform, particularly in multi-unit buildings. When the walls are painted with bright or bold colors, it may influence the overall look of the property and the experience of the next tenant.
Can a Tenant Paint the Walls with Permission?
The answer is yes, in most instances; you can paint the walls on the inside of your house provided that you get the right permission through your landlord. This is what to do if you feel like painting:
Review Your Lease Agreement
Read your lease agreement carefully before asking your landlord to make any modifications. There are clauses in some leases regarding painting or alterations, what is permitted, and what is not. If the lease does not say anything about painting, it is necessary to obtain written consent in order to proceed.
Ask for Permission in Writing
If your lease does not expressly allow you to paint, you will have to request this from your landlord.
Be courteous and respectful in your request, and give the following information:
The reason you desire to paint: Tell your landlord that you would like to paint because it would make your living space feel more like a home.
The colors you will be using: If you have some colors in mind, inform your landlord. It is preferable to select neutral and easy-to-cover tones to prevent possible problems in the future.
Your intentions of painting: You need to assure the landlord that you will either get a professional to do it, or do it yourself in a manner that will cause minimal damage.
Writing the request allows both parties have a record of the agreement. It is necessary to obtain the consent of your landlord in writing.
Follow the Landlord’s Rules
If the landlord allows, ensure that you abide by any rules or regulations that he or she may have.
These might include:
Applying certain kinds of paint: There are certain kinds of paint that are easier to cover, and some landlords will prefer this.
Repainting upon moving out: Sometimes the landlord will demand tenants repaint the walls to their original color at the end of the lease.
Employing a professional: When the landlord insists that he/she wants a professional job done, you should be ready to hire a licensed painter to do the work professionally.
By abiding by the mutual agreement, you will likely be able to paint the walls without any problems when it is time to move out.
What Happens if a Tenant Paints Without Permission?
You might be in serious trouble if you paint your rented home without the consent of the landlord. These are some of the risks you should take into consideration before going ahead with it, prior to getting permission:
- Security deposit deductions
- Lease violation and eviction
- Difficulty finding future rentals
- Additional repair costs
