Forget Renovations: This House Painting Fix Could Boost Rent by 152%

Interested In Rent Appreciation?

Many homeowners make the mistake of listing their property with the promise of making repairs and renovations based on the tenant's preferences after they agree to rent. While such arrangements do work, they often come at the cost of the homeowner.

Think about it - As a tenant, would you be more interested in renting a well-maintained, almost new-looking house or one with visible damages that the owner promises to repair after signing the lease?

A fresh coat of paint can turn a drab apartment into a showstopper overnight. I've seen it happen countless times. From transforming a dark, dated kitchen to making a small living room feel cozy, paint has an immediate effect on how tenants see the space.

Small, small details like painting cabinets, wall covering, painting cupboards, refinishing hardwood flooring, stucco repair, window caulking, furniture painting, or using neutral tones to make interior spaces feel more open and welcoming. And don’t forget curb appeal - a well-painted exterior is one of the first things prospective tenants notice.

According to Zillow, small improvements like the color of a front door can make a big difference. Homes with slate blue or black front doors, for instance, can sell for as much as $6,449 more. Amanda Pendleton, Zillow's home trends expert, said, "This research shows how seemingly minor home improvements can make a big difference in the way a potential buyer views and values a home." 

Similarly, rental homes with fresh paint can fill vacancies faster and often at higher rents.

How To Get Rid Of Old House Odors?

Did you know certain paints can help eliminate lingering smells - Rental houses can develop unpleasant smells for various reasons, including water damage, carpets, walls, furniture, cigarette smoke, pet odors, and mold.

Luckily, advancements in paint technology have made modern paints more than just decorative. Many now come with odor-blocking, stain-resistant, and even antimicrobial properties - perfect for rental properties.

An article from the American Coatings Association reveals that pre-painted, silver-containing coatings can reduce mold, fungi, and bacteria, even after 10 years of continuous use in homes and hospitals. These antimicrobial coatings help keep surfaces cleaner and healthier, benefiting both tenants and property owners by lowering health risks and maintenance needs.

If your rental property has odors that just won’t go away despite following best cleaning practices, it might be time to use odor-blocking primers and paints.

Here's a Pro Tip: Primers are essential if you’re dealing with stains or odors. They help cover up watermarks, smoke damage, and pet-related stains, making sure the final paint coat looks clean and ensures the paint will last longer, which means fewer touch-ups and less frequent repainting.

Lastly, make sure there’s proper ventilation while painting to allow odors to dissipate.

Paint in Property Upkeep (Maintenance and Longevity)

Regular painting is essential for keeping your rental property in top shape. It protects surfaces from wear and tear, prevents long-term damage, and keeps the home looking fresh for new tenants.

How Often Should You Repaint?

While it's up to you. However, besides aesthetics, some conditions make repainting a must. For example, chipping, peeling, or lead-based paint must be addressed before a tenant can move in. In many areas, this is important for maintaining habitability.

For minor scuffs or furniture marks, touchups might suffice. But if the home looks worn or outdated, a full repaint could be in order. As a rule of thumb, do interior painting every 3-5 years and exteriors every 5-7 years.

Beyond Aesthetics - Paint as a Problem-Solver

Paint isn’t just for aesthetics - it can also hide imperfections like drywall repairs, cracks, or dents.

Got outdated fixtures?

A quick coat of paint can make them look new without the cost of replacement. In some cases, paint can even act as a temporary fix for bigger issues, giving you time to budget for larger repairs down the line.

Eco-Friendly House Painting for Healthier Rentals

Low-VOC (volatile organic compound) and zero-VOC paints are becoming increasingly popular among environmentally conscious landlords. These eco-friendly paints emit fewer toxic chemicals, improving indoor air quality for tenants. It’s a win-win: you're promoting healthier living spaces while attracting eco-conscious renters.

Return on Investment (ROI) of House Painting

Painting is a cost-effective way to update a rental property compared to other renovations. According to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights for New Year 2022 Report, “On average, buyers will pay 7% more for a house with great curb appeal versus a home with a neglected exterior. Fresh exterior painting can boost a home’s value by $7,571 and net a 152% return on investment." That’s a solid reason to invest in painting before renting.

In the long run, regular painting saves money by preventing small issues from becoming expensive repairs.

Best Practices for Rental Property Painting

When repainting rental properties, stick to neutral colors that appeal to a wide range of tenants. Neutral tones create a blank canvas that allows renters to personalize the space with their furniture and décor.

You’ll also want to balance cost and quality by selecting paints that offer durability at a reasonable price.

Should You DIY or Hire Professionals?

For smaller spaces, you can save money by doing it yourself. However, hiring professional painting services often results in better quality and faster turnaround times.

Before opting to DIY, consider the time and effort involved. Professional house painters have the skills, equipment, and experience to deliver outstanding results. And with most painting happening during tenant turnover, time is crucial. The longer your rental sits empty, the less money you make.

Refresh Your Home with Medina Home Solutions

(A Home Painting Company in Edmonton)

Paint is more than just color on a wall. It's a versatile tool that can transform your rental property, enhance aesthetics, solve common problems like odors and damage, and boost your bottom line.

Want to boost your rental property's value in Edmonton with the help of a renovation and residential painting specialist?

It's time to pick up the phone and call us at 587-400-0775, email us at alex@medinahomesolutions.ca, or contact us, to get a free quote and see how your rentals look after brushing!

We serve in Edmonton, Lake District, Clareview Campus, Fort Saskatchewan, Sherwood Park, Mill Woods, Beaumont, Nisku, Terwillegar Towne, Callingwood, Spruce Grove, Jasper Place, St. Albert, and surrounding areas.