Typical costs
Because rental properties are usually empty between tenancies, painting is quicker than in an occupied home. Most landlords repaint in neutral colours throughout, which helps keep costs down.
| Property | Walls and ceilings | Including woodwork | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio flat | £500 – £900 | £700 – £1,200 | 2 – 3 days |
| 1-bed flat | £800 – £1,400 | £1,000 – £1,800 | 3 – 5 days |
| 2-bed flat | £1,200 – £2,200 | £1,600 – £3,000 | 4 – 7 days |
| 3-bed house | £2,200 – £4,000 | £3,000 – £5,500 | 1 – 2 weeks |
Indicative costs to repaint a rental property between tenants (2026)
Full repaint or touch-ups?
If the previous tenancy was short and the walls are in good condition, touch-ups may be enough – provided you have the exact paint used last time. Touching up with a different batch or a different brand of 'white' rarely blends in, so many landlords end up repainting whole walls.
After a longer tenancy, a full repaint is usually the better investment. Fresh paint makes listing photos look better and can help you let the property more quickly.
Choosing paint for rentals
Durability matters more than designer colours. Choose a scrubbable, washable emulsion in a single neutral colour throughout, with white ceilings and woodwork. That way, marks can be cleaned and future touch-ups are simple. A durable matt or a soft sheen hides wall imperfections well while still being wipeable.
For kitchens and bathrooms, use a moisture-resistant finish. Our guide to paint finishes for kitchens and bathrooms explains what works.
Rather leave it to a professional?
Deposits and wear and tear
Landlords can't charge tenants for normal wear and tear, which includes light scuffs, faded paint and minor marks after a reasonable period. They can make deductions for damage beyond that, such as large stains, holes or unauthorised colour changes – but only a fair proportion, reflecting the age of the decoration.
Check-in and check-out inventories with clear photos are essential if you want to make a deduction. If in doubt, your deposit protection scheme's guidance on decoration is a useful reference.
Fast turnarounds
Many decorators who work with landlords can turn around an empty flat in a few days. Book them before the outgoing tenant leaves, and agree access arrangements – keys, parking, building access – in advance. Combining painting with cleaning and any small repairs in a single void period saves time.
Get quotes from local painters and decorators, and see our guide on painting a 2-bed flat.
