How Often Does a Landlord Have to Paint an Apartment in NYC? What Every Tenant Must Know!

Do you see stains, chipped paint, or mold on your walls and ceiling? Well, if walls could talk, that’d be a scream for help. 

These signs of wear and tear are quite normal to see. Over time, no matter how well-maintained your house is, it will need a paint job.

But who is responsible for the paint job? What are the timelines and legal landlord painting requirements in NYC? How often does a landlord have to paint an apartment in NYC? 

Let’s find out the answers to all these questions.

Signs Your Property Needs a Paint Job

Does your house or apartment need a paint job?

Here are some signs to look out for.

• Cracks: Are there signs of wear on your walls, like dents, scuffs, or scratches? These indicate the walls need a touch-up. But if there’s bubbling and peeling as well, it means you should immediately call the professionals.
• Faded paint: If there is faded or discolored paint on your walls, it can make your house look really bad. It is a solid indication, too, that the walls need a paint job.
• Stains: At times, there are stubborn stains on the walls due to milk spills, children’s doodle drawings, etc. These mar the look of the place and can bring down your property’s worth, especially when you’re showing the place to new tenants.

Benefits of Painting the Apartment

A complete paint makeover not only adds to the appeal of the house but also uplifts the mood of the owner and residents. Let’s take a look at some other benefits of the paint job.

1. Improves the Aesthetics

The biggest advantage of getting a paint job is that it makes your home look as good as new. When the walls get dull and develop stains over time, the new coat lifts things up and makes everything look fresh instantly.

2. Increases Your Property’s Value

If you intend to sell or rent out the apartment anytime soon, a touch of paint can instantly boost your property value.

A well-painted home looks well-maintained and leaves a lasting impression on potential tenants and buyers.

3. Protects the Walls 

Paint creates a barrier against dust and moisture. That keeps the walls safe and protected from mold and mildew buildup. 

It’s especially important and makes a marked difference in the walls where there’s extensive exposure to moisture, like the bathrooms and kitchen. 

Paint extends the lives of your walls and structure by adding a layer of protection. 

4. Indoor Air Quality

Most quality paints available today are either free of VOCs or have very low amounts of this harmful chemical. They are eco-friendly and actually improve the indoor quality of air in the house. 

This makes the environment healthy and free from allergens for children, pets, and the elderly.

5. Affordable Improvement

Paint jobs are quite affordable when it comes to upgrading the property. Instead of going all in and changing the tiles, floor, or kitchen, just fix the little dents, stains, dings, and holes on the walls with paint. That is the least expensive upgrade to your property that has a huge impact.

Landlord Painting Responsibilities in NYC Rental Properties 

The paint job is very important for the maintenance of a property. To ensure your investment remains attractive and habitable for the current as well as future probable tenants, you’ll need to paint, touch up, or at times get the whole paint job done. 

The responsibility lies with the owner to conduct all maintenance procedures, including repainting. However, if the damage goes beyond simple wear and tear due to making unauthorized changes to the wall, the tenant may be liable.

Another question people ask is, “Are landlords required to paint the property between tenants?” True, it does add a bit of welcoming ambiance to the place, but if the new tenant is ok with the apartment’s condition, there’s no need for a repaint. 

So, to answer “Can landlord paint while occupied?” It depends on the tenant, but the tenant must give in writing that the apartment doesn’t need a paint job if they don’t want it done.

Factors Affecting the Life of Paint

How often must you repaint the house? Or, how often does a landlord have to paint an apartment in NYC, depends on certain factors.

Paint Quality

Saving money where possible, including in getting a paint job, is, of course, an attractive proposition.

But if you try to save money on paint, you could end up spending a lot more in the future.

If you go for the cheap paint options, you might need more coats, more quantity, or more frequent touch-ups. These paints are also harmful to health at times and are not fade-resistant or stain-resistant. 

Preparing the Walls

If you’re going for a DIY job (and are not quite the pro at it), the paint job won’t last you long. The key reason is: wall prep. 

The professional paint companies first prepare the walls and then get to the job. That means they remove nails, fillings, etc., and apply the primer and base layers first before getting down to the final color.

This significantly improves the lifespan of paint as it can last up to ten years without peeling and cracking. 

Location

Those parts of the house that aren’t used much, such as guest bedrooms and storage rooms, their paint lasts much longer. The walls that are exposed to water, moisture, or heat daily, like in the kitchen and bathrooms, usually don’t require frequent repaints.

Say Goodbye to Peeling Walls with PaintMan

Apartment painting isn’t about the looks or color only. It’s about protecting your investment and creating a healthy, liveable space for your tenants.

Amongst their other responsibilities, how often does a landlord have to paint an apartment in NYC? That’s every three years, a minimum.

So if your walls are faded, cracked, or stained, take action now! The best way to get it done (without costing an arm and a leg) is to call the professionals. 

We at PaintMan are experts at bringing the ‘wow’ back to your walls. Call us today for a free consult, and we will get the job done quickly and within budget. 

Our team includes experienced painters specializing in their respective jobs. These experts are well-versed in different interior painting techniques that target every nook and cranny of your home, giving it a fresh and radiant vibe. We also offer great customer service and a free color consultation in New York, giving homeowners like you the opportunity to explore our color gallery at your leisure. 

Contact PaintMan’s team now for a free consultation or discuss your concerns about your home’s interior.