Can You Paint Walls In An Apartment?
- Devin Spahr
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Whether you just moved in or you’ve been renting for a while, you may be looking to add a personal touch to your apartment. Painting is an easy way to refresh your space, but can you paint walls in an apartment? The answer depends on a number of factors. Most importantly, you should always check your lease and talk with your landlord before making any changes.
So, can you paint walls in your rented apartment in Arizona? In this post, we’ll walk you through all the things you should know before painting your walls.
And if you’re looking for professional painters in Tucson to upgrade your space, give Spahr’s Painting a call for an estimate! We also serve neighboring cities, including Oro Valley and Sahuarita.
Can You Paint Walls in a Rented House?
If you’re living in a rented home, chances are the walls are some shade of white or cream. While these neutrals are classic, they’re not always the most exciting colors. But if you don’t own the home you’re living in, don’t just assume it’s okay to paint.
Before you pick up your brush, you’ll want to check the lease agreement, which typically outlines what you can and cannot do in your rented home. Look for terms such as “modifications,” “alterations,” “painting,” “decorating,” or “tenant improvements.” Some landlords may require you to seek their permission before painting, follow specific color guidelines, or restore the walls to their original color when you move out.
Can a Landlord Charge You for Painting?
In Arizona, a landlord cannot charge you for painting unless there are major stains, damage to walls, or large scratches. Still, the goal when you move out is to leave the home in the same condition it was in when you moved in. Wear and tear over months or years is typical, and paint fades from UV exposure. Your landlord cannot charge you to repaint after this normal wear and tear.
However, if you’ve caused major damage, your landlord can charge you for fixing and repainting the walls. They may also charge you to restore the walls to the original color if you’ve painted them without permission. No matter what, the landlord should provide you with an itemized list of the charges within 14 days of your leaving the apartment.
Can You Be Evicted for Painting Your Apartment?
While your landlord may not be happy if you paint your apartment, chances are, they won’t evict you. Most landlords and property management companies generally avoid evicting paying tenants. And if they do decide to go through with the process to evict you, the judge is unlikely to side with them unless there are bigger issues like non-payment of rent, structural damage, illegal use of the property, or lease violations.
There are some cases where you might be evicted or face consequences for painting your apartment, including:
If your lease states that you cannot modify the apartment, you could be evicted for painting the walls, as this is a violation of your lease agreement.
If you live in subsidized housing, you should check with the housing authority before making any changes. While you won’t necessarily be evicted for painting the walls, you risk losing your eligibility in the future.
If you live in a historic apartment building, it’s important to check with your landlord before painting. These buildings typically have strict rules, and violating the rules may result in your eviction.
In most cases, you won’t be evicted but will have to pay to return the walls to the original color.
Reasons Not to Paint Your Apartment If You Rent
Now that we’ve answered whether or not you can paint walls in an apartment, let’s talk about whether or not you should. Painting the walls can be a great way to brighten up the apartment, but it comes with risks. Here are some of the main reasons not to paint your walls if you rent:
Unprofessional results: Most landlords hire professional painters when it’s time to freshen up the apartment. If you decide to paint the apartment on your own, you’ll need to make sure you take the time to do the job right. If you cut corners like skipping prep, chances are, you’ll have a poor result that the landlord will charge you to fix.
Security deposit: If you paint your apartment, especially without permission, you risk losing your security deposit. Remember, under Arizona law, your landlord can charge you to paint over an unauthorized paint job.
Small claims court: If the paint job was poorly done and caused damage to the apartment, your landlord can take you to small claims court to recover the cost of damages.
What Happens If You Paint Your Apartment?
If you do decide to paint your apartment, be prepared to return it to its original color when you move out. As a tenant, you have a responsibility to leave the apartment in the same shape it was in when you moved in. Most landlords require approval before you make any changes like painting. If you did it without permission, you may be liable for the cost to repaint, especially if there are damages.
What If Your Lease Doesn’t Say Anything About Painting?
In most cases, the lease agreement will outline whether or not you can paint the apartment. If you don’t see anything about painting, look for clauses on modifications or improvements.
If your lease doesn’t say anything about painting, don’t just assume that it’s okay. Make sure you check with the landlord. Most landlords require written consent before you make any changes like painting. They may require you to use neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of people. Avoid using dark colors that are difficult to paint over.
If your landlord approves your request, make sure you take the proper steps. Clean and prepare the walls, cover the floors, and paint carefully to avoid drips. When your lease ends, expect to repaint the wall the original color unless the landlord says otherwise.
What If the Walls Are in Terrible Shape?
In Arizona, a landlord can only charge for repainting if the walls are in worse shape than typical wear and tear. But what if those conditions aren’t your fault? Per the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the landlord is responsible to maintain the property so that it is safe and liveable. This means they are generally responsible for repairs and repainting, as paint fades over the years. You’ll just need to notify the landlord that the walls need repainting. However, if the walls are in bad shape due to neglect or intentional damage, it is your responsibility as the tenant to pay for repairs and repainting.
Can You Paint Walls in an Apartment: Conclusion
So can you paint the walls in a rented apartment? The answer is that it depends on your situation. The most important thing to do before slapping a coat of paint on the walls is to check the lease agreement, which should mention whether or not modifications to the apartment are okay. Even if the lease doesn’t specify, it’s a good idea to check with your landlord before taking any action.
If you have your landlord’s okay and want to hire a professional to do the job right, call Spahr’s Painting today. From bedroom makeovers to kitchen cabinets and exteriors, we offer the best painting services in Tucson. Call us today for an estimate!
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