We spent ~$5500 to repaint most of the house, patch walls, replace damaged blinds, have the carpet cleaned twice to remove stains, and have the house cleaned again.

The property managers said they wouldn’t charge the tenants for this because they said the house would need to be repainted anyway.

If the tenant is in 5 years, we hope to not need to re-paint the interior but if we do need to repaint the interior we typically do not charge the tenant.Our units get converted away from carpet at the first recent rehab but we have a couple units with carpet. 

I will charge him for the wall as well. it cannot be spotted painted. he literally had patched up gaping holes that he wants me to repaint because he knows that the unprofessional job will look very bad.

If the tenant reports flaking paint, it is our responsibility to repaint.  

I once had a tenant leave 9 months apart (In memphis) and I had to repaint that whole unit.

I think you will have  a hard time with repainting all  cabs..... 

What are some ways you safeguard your owners from the need to re-paint each turnover or deal with other issues in the gap between normal wear & tear and tenant damage?

I've been wanting to repaint the interior of entire unit a more trendy but neutral color.

I considered that as well, but repainting around the nails is a hassle.