The gap between tenancies is often the only time a landlord has full access to a property without disruption, which makes it the ideal window to get repainting done properly. A well-timed refresh protects the property’s condition and makes a strong first impression on prospective tenants.
Why It’s Worth Doing Every Change of Tenancy
Even careful tenants leave marks over time — scuffed skirting boards, faded patches where furniture has stood, small scrapes near doors and light switches. Left unaddressed, this wear compounds tenancy after tenancy until a much bigger, more expensive job is needed. Repainting little and often is almost always cheaper than letting a property fall behind.
What to Prioritise If Time Is Tight
If the turnaround between tenants is short, focus on the areas that matter most to prospective renters first:
- Hallways and entrances, since they set the tone the moment someone walks in
- Living rooms and bedrooms, which feature heavily in listing photos
- Kitchens and bathrooms, where marks and staining are most visible
- Any wall damaged during the previous tenant’s move-out
Durable Finishes Save Money Long-Term
Choosing a wipeable, durable finish such as a mid-sheen emulsion in high-traffic areas can significantly extend the time between full repaints. It costs slightly more upfront but tends to pay for itself by resisting scuffs and making walls easier to clean between tenancies.
Keep a Simple Record
Noting the paint brand, colour code and finish used in each room makes future touch-ups faster and ensures consistency if only one wall needs attention rather than an entire room.
Plan the Work Around Your Void Period
Booking decorators as soon as a tenant gives notice, rather than waiting until they’ve moved out, helps keep the property’s void period as short as possible and gets it back on the market sooner.
A well-maintained, freshly painted property tends to attract better tenants and fewer void periods.
