tenant request for new paint

[Ann B.]

We have a tenant who has been in possession since at least 2006. He is insisting on new paint in his two-bedroom apartment. However 1) He says he has allergies/sensitives to standard paint so he has requested a special paint. We usually pay approximately $30/gallon, but the special paints cost approximately $70/gallon. Is it right and fair for us to ask him to pay the difference? 2) His apartment is SO cluttered with furniture and knick-knacks that it's nearly impossible to move around. Again, shouldn't he move/remove items so painters can do their job? We had offered two other vacancies to him (across the hall and upstairs), but he didn't want to move. In my opinion, these were even nicer units. How would you respond? Thanks.

[Theresa Harris]

If it hasn't been painted in 15 years and all he needs is a gallon of paint, I'd buy it for him.  If he wants you to hire painters or for you to do it, then he needs to make sure everything is out of the room before you start.