The visual appeal of your Edgewood rental property’s interior is what makes your tenants feel at home in their place of temporary residence. A nice-looking rental also helps yield high rent rates and top-notch tenants that pay on time.
As a property owner, you will no doubt have to deal with painting your rental property at some point.
After all, you should want to keep up on the aesthetic appeal of your rental. Plus, you should also want to keep your rental property’s walls insulated and protected.
But, how often should you paint your rental property?
To answer this question, as well as other rental property paint-related questions, read on for some valuable information, starting with why fresh paint is important.
Why Do Your Edgewood Tenants Want Fresh Paint?
In short, a fresh coat of paint on your Edgewood rental property’s walls make your property stand out. The rental will appear brighter, cleaner, and newer, all with a few coats of nice paint.
Moreover, a few cans of paint have the potential to transform your rental’s entire interior. New paint can revive tired walls, showcase the architectural charm of your property, and even brighten dim hallways.
The bottom line is this: fresh paint appeals to prospective tenants looking to make your rental property their home because it makes them feel as if they’re the first, and only, people to live in your property.
What Tenants Look For in Paint Colors
It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the paint colors available at the local hardwood store. Luckily, there are people out there that are dedicated to unravelling the mystery of paint colors.
Here is a look at what NowSourcing, Inc. found out:
- This cheerful and warm color is best suited for places like the kitchen. It brightens the area, and energizes those in it.
- Preferred by men, this calming color is great for offices, as it is suggested to boost productivity, curb your appetite, and induce feelings of serenity.
- Typically known to evoke strong emotions, you should consider painting your rental’s dining room red, if you wish to use such a bold color.
That said, when it comes to painting your rental property, it often best to remain neutral and avoid overly colorful paint.
Why is that?
Because you want to appeal to the largest population of tenants possible. And, even having just one bold accent wall that is not a neutral color (such as tan, beige, sage, or cream) can cause an unfavorable opinion among tenants viewing your property.
In summary, when painting your rental property, the point is to garner high quality tenants wanting to lease your property, not make an artistic statement.
Your Basic Guide to Paints
Before jumping into how often you should paint your rental, it is a good idea to become familiar with the different types of paint available, so that you can get the right one for your property’s needs. Plus, choosing the right paint type will make a big difference in how often you need to paint your rental.
Take a look at the various paint finishes:
High Gloss
Durable and easy to clean, high gloss paint will dry with lots of shine. It helps repel sticky fingers and oils. Use this finish on places such as:
- Cabinets
- Doors
- Trims
- Kitchen areas
Keep in mind that the shiny finish will show every lump and bump on your walls, so it is best to avoid using this type on large wall spaces.
Satin
Though not as shiny as the gloss finishes, satin paints can withstand a lot of traffic and still maintain a nice look. For your rental property, satin paints should be used for:
- Family rooms
- Hallways
- Playrooms
- Kid bedrooms
Be careful using this paint finish. If you do not apply it properly, you will be able to see every brush or roller stroke.
Flat or Matte
This paint type has the most pigment, no shine, provides the most coverage, and is great at hiding lumps, bumps, and more. In addition, it is one of the most affordable paint types. Here are some good places for flat or matte paints:
- Adult bedrooms
- Ceilings
- Other low traffic rooms
This paint finish is not easy to clean, easily rubs off, and needs repainting often.
Eggshell
The sheen on this paint finish is between that of a satin finish and a matte finish. It is great for covering up small scratches, and should be used in low traffic areas such as:
- Dining rooms
- Living rooms
- Offices or studies
Though it is forgiving on wall imperfections, because it has a partially matte-like finish, eggshell does not always last as long you might want it to.
Semigloss
Semigloss finishes are great for places that need a little shine, take a lot of abuse, and are areas in the home that attract a lot of moisture. Take for instance:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Trim
- Laundry rooms
There is no real downside to this type of paint finish. It is extremely durable, easy to clean, and offers just enough shine to make your painted area look stunning.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the varying paint finishes, you are better equipped to make decisions regarding your rental property’s interior paint.
However, if you are at all unsure as to what type of paint finish to choose, which color is best suited for your property, or how to properly apply the paint to your walls, it is best to employ the help of a licensed and insured paint contractor.
So, How Often Should You Paint Your Edgewood Rental Property?
How often you paint your Edgewood rental property is a largely personal matter. However, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, you should aim to repaint your entire rental property every three years.
Whether you wish to paint your rental property yourself, or with the help of a professional, here are some things to consider before deciding if you should paint the interior:
- How Does the Property Appear? If a tenant has just moved out of your rental property, evaluate the property’s interior to see if there are any areas in need of repainting. Move-out time is ideal for evaluating your property and painting any areas looking worn, since it is empty at this time.
- What Does a Little Cleaning Do? Sometimes all your property’s walls need are a little TLC. If you have opted for highly durable and easy-to-clean paint finishes, maybe a little magic erasing is all your property needs to shine again.
- Take it Room By Room. Even if you have a set timeframe for how often you should paint your rental, evaluate each room separately. There is no sense repainting your entire property if only high trafficked walls need a touch up.
In the end, maintaining the visual appeal of your Edgewood rental property’s interior is crucial if you want tenants to lease from you, and become long-term tenants.
If you are need of help regarding the visual appeal of your rental property, and are looking for an experienced property management company that can provide sound advice on matters such as interior painting, contact Bay Management Group today.
With knowledge about all things rental property related, including how to best stage your property to get quality tenants, Bay Management Group can get you high returns on your Edgewood rentals.
