Who is responsible for painting – landlord or tenant?

Understanding who is responsible for painting – the landlord or tenant in the UK is important. This can sometimes be a point of contention between the two parties.

This guide provides an overview of the general responsibilities between a landlord and a tenant when it comes to painting so that you can be confident within your tenancy about when you can and can’t charge for painting.

Landlord responsibilities

Landlords have a legal obligation to keep the property in good repair and ensure it meets safety standards. This includes maintaining the building’s structure and exterior, making sure it’s safe and habitable for tenants.

Is a landlord responsible for painting the property regularly?

The answer is generally yes. This is particularly true when it comes to maintaining the overall condition of the home for new and existing tenants. Landlords are responsible for ensuring the property is in a good decorative state, particularly at the start of a tenancy.

They should also take care of general wear and tear. This often includes repainting at the end of a tenancy or between tenants. Any painting needed to comply with health and safety laws, like the removal of lead paint, is also the landlord’s responsibility.

It’s worth noting that if a landlord is responsible for painting, they can schedule this during tenancy gaps to avoid disruption to tenants. However, some landlords may offer to repaint during the tenancy if the property is in need of an update. As a tenant, it’s important to know that landlords usually undertake these tasks at their own expense, particularly if it’s part of maintaining a habitable and well-kept property.

Tenant’s responsibilities

Tenants are expected to look after the property during their tenancy. This includes keeping it clean and reporting any maintenance issues to the landlord as soon as possible. Small repairs, like changing light bulbs or clearing blocked sinks, are typically the tenant’s responsibility.

Tenants usually need permission from the landlord before making any major changes to the decor of the property, such as painting. If they do paint or decorate, they may be required to return the property to its original state at the end of the tenancy unless agreed otherwise with the landlord.

Can a landlord charge a tenant for painting?

If the tenant causes damage that requires repainting, this is usually their responsibility, reinforcing the idea that a landlord CAN charge a tenant for painting under certain conditions. So, in some cases, yes.

If a tenant causes damage to the walls beyond normal wear and tear – such as painting without permission or leaving large stains or holes – then the tenant may be responsible for covering the cost of repainting or repair work. The tenant might also be liable if they fail to return the property to its original decorative condition at the end of the tenancy.

Key considerations

So, what can you do as a landlord to ensure that you aren’t left in a position where you are confused about who is responsible for painting, or where you need to charge a tenant for painting?

Lease agreement

A clear lease agreement is crucial in outlining who is responsible for painting and decorating. It should detail the expectations for both parties and specify who handles property maintenance tasks to avoid misunderstandings later on.

The lease may include clauses on whether a landlord is responsible for painting at regular intervals, or whether the tenant is allowed to decorate under certain conditions.

Normal wear and tear vs damage

It’s important to distinguish between normal wear and tear and actual damage. Wear and tear refers to the natural ageing of the property from regular use, which is generally the landlord’s responsibility to fix.

Damage caused by tenants, such as stains or holes in walls, is usually something the tenant must repair or pay to fix. In cases of excessive damage, can a landlord charge a tenant for painting? Yes, this may occur if the tenant has caused deterioration that goes beyond what is considered normal use.

Communication and documentation

Good communication between landlords and tenants can help prevent disputes. Regular property inspections allow both parties to identify and address maintenance needs early.

It’s also useful to document any agreements about painting and decorating in writing, to avoid future conflicts. Ensuring who is responsible for painting is clearly outlined in the lease agreement can save both parties stress and avoid costs down the line.

In the UK, the responsibility for painting and decorating rental properties usually falls on the landlord, especially for addressing wear and tear and ensuring the property is in good condition at the start of the tenancy. Tenants, on the other hand, are responsible for everyday upkeep and must get permission before making any changes.

By having clear communication and a well drafted lease, landlords and tenants can avoid many disputes. Generally, a landlord is responsible for regular painting, but tenants should know when they might also be liable.

Do you have comprehensive protection for your investment via landlord insurance? Get a quote online today or request a callback. Alternatively, you can contact us via our website or give us a call on 01788 818 670.