Q for Landlords/Renters

Question

I've been renting the same townhouse for almost 3 years and my landlords are very nice people. Anyway, they used an awful eggshell cheap flat paint and the walls look terrible now. I would like to paint and friends and family mention that they should pay. Is that true? I can't afford to paint the whole thing but something needs to be done. If you touch the wall it's stained for life. lol Any advice welcome.

Thanks.

Answer 1

Normally, owners do not paint a unit until it becomes vacant.  If you are a good tenant ask the landlord about painting your unit. If they say no, get permission to have it painted yourself.  DO NOT PAINT the walls some weird colors.  You will be charged to have them painted back to a neutral color when you move out.

Answer 2

that depends. if the paint on your wall is damaged than its the landlords responsibility to change it and you shouldn't have to pay anything.if he/she refuses to than paint it yourself and subtract it from your rent. but the landlord shouldn't have to pay to paint your walls over just because you think its ugly.[if that is the case].

Answer 3

Sometimes, your lease may state how often you are entitled to a paint job. Yes, this is maintenance that the landlord should perform. Read your lease, first. If it doesn't address this, just ask them to paint the rooms and see what they say. If they say they can't afford it, see if you can negotiate to pay for the paint, and they pay for the labor, or maybe they pay for the paint and supplies, and you paint it yourself. You are better off if they will assume the labor costs, that is far more costly than paint. Also, if it is done professionally, they can't come back later and say you did a crummy job.  

Answer 4

Flat paint is the norm for rentals.

No, the landlord is not required to paint and there is no law backing you up in attempting to force them to paint.

You cannot paint and deduct it from the rent unless the landlord has given you written permission to do so. Doing so without permission can lead to eviction.

They have already told you that you can have it painted professionally, which means that you need to hire a licensed painting contractor, and have approved the colors.

Either live with it, have it painted or move when your lease is up.