Is This Paint Job Acceptable?

Question

Would love honest input on whether this paint job is acceptable.

My husband and I own a duplex and have rented it out to 6 different tenants in the past 5 years and this is the first time we've had someone really upset about the condition. When they toured it initially, they seemed happy with the condition (before it was re-painted) and we didn't promise to make any updates. But we decided to repaint since it's been a few years. Also, the previous tenant cleaned pretty well and I also spent several hours cleaning. I would personally be happy to live there and felt like we left it in great condition. But the new tenant is complaining about both the paint job and the level of cleanliness. Pictures attached of the new paint job. It's not a perfect job I know, but I felt pretty good about it. She's demanding that we hire professional painters to repaint and professional cleaners to clean everything top to bottom. Would love to know how other landlords would handle this.

Dennis M. · Answer

“ of coarse you can have a new professional  paint job madam ..they can come in and redo the whole house to your liking .in fact we can hire the best painting company in town ! How would YOU like to pay them ? Cash or Check ....

Karl B. · Answer

If I had to guess I'd say the tenant doesn't like the color. I'm not feeling the color but the actual paint job looks fine. I paint my units as well. Most landlords in my market let the walls get gross; I've had potential tenants light up when they see a freshly painted apartment.

Regarding the professional painters I would tell her to go pound salt. And regarding the cleaning, meet with her and ask her to show you what's dirty. If she shows you dirt/grime and she has a point then hire a cleaner. If she can't show you anything then realize this tenant may well nag you to death for the duration of the lease.

Mark Perea · Answer

20 yr Contractor.

Your next house interior paint  should be Sherwin Williams Velvet sheen, Its not flat so that it will get dirty and you cant clean it and its not Satin so that it showes every blemish on the wall. Its in between. You should paint every rental in this paint.  It hides shitty walls very well.  You wont be sorry.

Scott P. · Answer

I'd offer to let her pick the painter and the cleaning company and pay me up front for their Proposals.  Then I'd hire them and pay them on completion with her money.

And, I'd also offer to let her out of the lease before she moved in.

Her choice.

John Underwood · Answer

I can't tell much from the pictures, but it looks fine to me.

I would not hire a professional painter or cleaner to come and redo any work that is already done.

Tell her that everything is in as good of condition or better than when she was shown the house.

Tell her that if it is not up to her liking you will let her out of the contract. This may be better for you if she is going to complain about this much before even moving in.

You need to stand your ground and not be pushed around by this person.

Allan Smith · Answer

what exactly about the paint job is she complaining about? Color?runs? Quality of paint used? Sheen?

In a nutshell, I would say you have a fussy tenant on your hands and you probably need to exert some Authority.

Max T. · Answer

I would decline her demand, unless there are real issues (can't tell from photos). Give her the option of terminating. No sense in keeping anyone who will be unhappy.

Timothy VanWingerden · Answer

From the sounds of it, you don't have a good tenant. What type of screening process do you have? Seems like this is just the start of many more complaints and requests. I would be firm and communicate clearly what they should expect from you as your landlord.

You may want to consider offering your tenant to take it or leave it. The risk is, if they stay it might be the start of a bad relationship that is just going to go downhill.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I agree with Allan.  If she's not happy, give her the option to get out of the lease and give her 24 hours to decide.

Taylor Chiu · Answer

@Caris Li

Seems overly picky, but it could depend on the rent / area. How much are you renting to them for?

Is This Paint Job Acceptable?

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