How Often Should You Paint Your Rental Property?
Vancouver landlords and strata property managers frequently ask our professional painters how often they are required to paint their properties. In BC, the answer isn’t black and white. BC landlords must repaint their properties in reasonable intervals in order to ensure that the space is habitable by tenants. But what exactly does that look like?
Most rental properties should be repainted every 2-3 years
While many homeowners may look to repaint their homes every 5-6 years, rental properties tend to go through more wear and tear due to frequent moving and other factors. Properties with high tenant turnover will experience more of this damage, while properties with long term tenants can typically go slightly longer without painting – at least until the current tenant leaves.
With that being said, there are some circumstances in which you may want to paint sooner or later than the recommended 2-3 years.
Rental properties must be considered habitable
While painting is often an aesthetic upgrade, it is also an important part of the overall maintenance of any property. If paint is badly chipped, peeling, or molding, the property needs to be repainted before a tenant can live or work there.
Painting is a quick and affordable upgrade
Interior painting is one of the easiest ways to make a space look brand new! Painting can cover stains, scuffs, and small chips and dents, making your rental more attractive to potential renters. For long term tenants, painting every few years can incentivise them to stick around.
Paint can solve odour issues in rental properties
Smoking, vaping, and burning candles can create deeply embedded stains and odours that are unappealing and uncomfortable for tenants. One of the best ways to easily take care of this is interior painting on walls and ceilings. If you notice yellow or brown stains, these are likely caused by smoking and vaping.
How to make the most of your interior painting project
- Use a high quality paint: Investing in a high-quality paint is a great way to help your paint job stand the test of time. While it costs more upfront, this simple step can save you money in the long run.
- Use a semi-gloss or high gloss paint: Semi-gloss and high gloss paints are more durable and easier to clean. These paints are great options for high-traffic areas.
- Evaluate which areas need to be painted: Take a look around the property to determine if the entire space needs to be painted. Often, higher traffic areas like living rooms and hallways will need a touch-up, while spaces like bedrooms may be able to go without.
Strata painting projects can be difficult to tackle if they are large in scale. Many property managers opt to hire a professional painting company to save time and ensure long lasting results. If you have a strata property in the Vancouver area, give Even Better Painting a call! We can help you determine which areas require painting, and suggest the best products for your project.
