Can You Paint a Rented House? What’s Allowed?

When you're opening up a new apartment, there's always the thrill of hoping the area can be personalized and become home. Renters' first concerns are if they're able to repaint the walls so they can have their personality shine through. The reply is sometimes no because it's up to your own rental contract and the policies of the landlord.

Being aware of what you can and can't do with the paint in your rented apartment will prevent future conflict with your landlord and protect your security deposit. Let's take a glance at the key conditions which determine your right to paint while you are renting - something that's especially important to understand if you're working with property management in Midwest City or a similar service.

Every Rental Agreement Can Vary

Rental agreements vary from property to property and from landlord to landlord. Some landlords are open to tenants who want to make modifications and view this as a sign that the renters will take good care of the property in the long term. Other landlords, however, prefer to have complete control over all modifications in an effort to preserve the property and appeal to future potential tenants.

Your rental contract is the lawful basis for which changes are acceptable. Some agreements have permission for painting in writing, and others do not permit any modifications from the original state of the property. Most are somewhere in the middle, with permission for some modifications with certain stipulations or advanced consent.

First, Read the Rental Agreement

Even before purchasing a can of paint, read your lease agreement from cover to cover. Look for sections which speak about property modifications, changes, improvements, or alterations. Read in particular for such language as:

• Restrictions and painting allowances which dictate whether there's painting at all, and if so, then under what conditions. You may also want to ask your landlord directly, can you paint a rented house? Their answer and your lease terms are essential guides.

• Color restrictions, which may confine you to shades of neutral colors or require you to keep the current coloring.

• Specifications for quality that state the type of paint you should employ, such as the use of high-quality brands or specific finishes - usually the best paint for a rental property is durable, easy to clean, and neutral in tone.

• Restoration requirement that indicates if you are required to repaint walls back to the original color prior to vacating.

Some contracts contain clauses specifically with regard to the hiring of professional painters instead of doing the job yourself, or with you providing the sample colors you'd like used and obtaining permission.

When in Doubt, Ask Your Landlord

Without specific reference in the lease towards painting or if you are in doubt about the actual agreements, open communication with the property manager or the landlord should take place. The communication safeguards you and the property manager by setting the guidelines upfront.

When speaking with your landlord about painting, be ready to go into specifics with your plans. Let them know which rooms you plan on painting, which colors you are looking at, and when you plan on having the work done. Most landlords respect tenants who are upfront about their plans.

Consider coming up with a compromise in case your landlord is concerned. You can compromise with high-grade paint, the use of professional painters, or the promise of restoring the walls back to the original coloring when moving out. Some landlords can even contribute if they deem your choice in colors an improvement in the property.

Protecting Yourself and Your Deposit

Getting permission in writing to repaint safeguards your security deposit. Even if your landlord verbally gives permission, always verify with an email summarily listing the agreed points. Writing this down can prevent future misunderstandings.

When you are granted permission for painting, take photos of the walls even prior to the initiation of work. The photographs serve proof of the conditions of the property and are admissible while in the process of settling claims of damage versus regular wear and tear.

Make Renting Feel Like Home

Painting a rental property can turn your space into a fully personalized and stylized home. Though negotiating rental contracts and landlord policies can be confusing, the majority of the issues can be sorted out with effective communication and mutual understanding.



Keep in mind that keeping a positive working relationship with your landlord or the property manager works in your favor. Through the right channels and due respect for the property, you can usually discover ways you can individualize your area while upholding your leasing responsibility!