How often to repaint
As a rule of thumb, walls in a well looked after let need a fresh coat every three to five years. Student lets in St Andrews often need hallways, stairs and kitchens done more often, sometimes every summer.
Plan a full repaint in the gap between lets, and touch ups in between.
Choose paint that can be cleaned
Use a durable matt or a washable emulsion on walls. It hides imperfections like a matt but can be wiped down. On woodwork, a water based satin is quick to dry and does not yellow.
Pick one neutral wall colour and one trim colour for the whole property and keep them the same each time. Write them down. Touch ups then match, and you only keep two tins.
Fair wear and tear
Faded paint, small scuffs and light marks around switches are normal wear. Large marks, holes from fixings that were not agreed, and damage are not. A dated photo record at check in and check out, with close ups of walls and woodwork, is the best evidence if there is a deposit dispute.
Damp and mould
Mould is the most common complaint in Scottish lets. Painting over it does not fix it. Find the cause first, usually poor ventilation, a cold wall or a leak, then clean with a fungicidal wash and use a mould resistant paint in kitchens and bathrooms.
Under the Repairing Standard in Scotland, a let property must be free from damp and mould that affects health. Paint alone does not meet that.
Turning it round fast
A one bedroom flat can usually be repainted in two to three days if it is empty, clean and the carpets are up or covered. Book your decorator at the same time you give notice to the tenant, not after they leave.
- Empty and clean the property first.
- Agree colours and finishes in advance.
- Allow drying time before new tenants move furniture against walls.
- Keep a labelled tin of each colour in the property for touch ups.
Older rental properties
Many Fife lets are in older buildings. Lead paint may be under the top coats on woodwork, and solid stone walls need breathable paint. Our old house check walks through what to look for.
Common questions
- Can I charge a tenant for repainting?
- Only for damage beyond fair wear and tear, backed by evidence. Normal fading and light marks after a tenancy are not chargeable. If in doubt, check with your deposit scheme.
- What colour is best for a rental?
- A warm off white or a soft neutral. It suits most furniture, photographs well for listings and is easy to match when touching up.