Moving out of a rental property involves more than just packing your boxes. It also means preparing the space to avoid any unpleasant surprises. One of the most unclear aspects? Painting. Many tenants believe they must repaint everything before returning the keys. However, the law doesn’t necessarily require that… A wall that has yellowed a bit or paint that has naturally chipped isn’t automatically your fault.
But be cautious: if you’ve made certain mistakes, you could lose your deposit quickly. To ensure you don’t lose anything, it’s important to understand what you really need to do and what can be left as is.
What The Law Really Says About Painting In Rentals
When you rent a property, there are rules you must follow. The law states that tenants are responsible for maintaining the property. This means you should keep it clean and in good condition. However, you are not required to redo everything before you leave.
If the paint has yellowed or aged over time, that’s not your fault. This is referred to as “normal wear and tear.” However, if you’ve damaged the walls or painted in very dark colors, that could become an issue.
In that case, the landlord might keep a portion of your deposit. Therefore, it’s essential to distinguish between what is normal over time and what you have personally altered.
When Should You Repaint To Avoid Losing Your Deposit?
You don’t need to repaint all the walls just because they’re a bit worn. If you’ve lived in a place for several years, it’s natural for the paint to have imperfections. However, if you’ve used very bright or dark colors without the landlord’s permission, it’s best to return to a neutral color before moving out.
The same goes for any stains, drawings, or damage to the walls. The aim is to leave the apartment clean and in acceptable condition, similar to when you first arrived. If you’ve taken good care of the rental, often a simple cleaning is sufficient.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Many people think they must repaint everything in white. But this isn’t always the case. You should also avoid covering up stains or holes with hastily done paintwork; it will be noticeable right away.
Another mistake is leaving the walls very dirty, with marks or unfilled holes. Some also forget that painting walls without permission can create issues. Don’t wait until the last moment to address these problems, or you may not have enough time to make necessary corrections.
The Right Approach Before The Move-Out Inspection
Before returning the keys, take the time to thoroughly check the condition of the walls. Compare them to how they looked at the beginning of your tenancy. If you see stains, holes, or overly bright colors, it’s better to take action.
Clean, fill in holes, and repaint if absolutely necessary. On the day of the move-out inspection, the property should leave a good impression. A clean, well-maintained wall can make a significant difference in ensuring you get your deposit back without any issues.
