Before I sell I will repaint the outside of the house as well.

It’s not a fear of a fine it’s the story’s of some many people being forced to repaint. 

Were you planning to repaint anyway?

If the financial numbers don't work, then re-configure your RE approach (get someone else to mow the grass, fix the plumbing, re-paint, etc). 

In a or b grade with a semigloss you wont need to repaint anywhere near as nuch as d grade stuff based on the tenant. 

If they have been there less than 18 months it should not need to be re painted just touched up. 

It's one thing to build some cabinets, repaint some walls, or replace the baseboards. 

Once closed, we repainted the property, fixed plumbing and other odds and ends.

Even 3500 seems very high to me (assuming it's not an enormous unit that needs a complete re-paint).Second, if the tenant broke the lease, there should be a significant penalty to help offset the costs of property damage and/or vacancy.

Every surface was been redone or repainted.