Is it REALLY wrong to paint an apartment you're renting when the lease says not to?

Question

why not just paint it white b4 u leave?

Answer 1

well you could, but if something needs fixing and your landlord comes in and sees that you painted, it could cost you your security deposit, or he could boot you for "breaking the lease agreement." better to talk to your landlord and ask if you can paint a light color, and you will repaint white when you leave. worst he can say is no.

Answer 2

Sure, if my tenants wanted to paint, I'd let them, but put it back the way you found it when you moved in. That in itself will save you the loss of your damage deposit and maybe a lawsuit.

If they find out, though, in the meantime, they can evict you, too. I have seen apartment done with colors by draping material on the walls as large accents. Or quilts. Or large paintings. Why not get some painting material at a craft store (a really large piece of canvas) and have at it? It will be cheaper than repaining the walls...and you can take it with you.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

If you paint it and there is a specific rule in the lease about not allowing new paint, the landlord can take a portion of your security deposit as they would consider it damage to the property. I think landlords put the clause in there so that people like me don't go in there and paint the walls bright orange and cobalt blue...LOL...

Answer 4

If your lease specifically says not to paint then don't without the landlords permission. You will be breaking the lease agreement if you do, and if your landlord needs to come in for any repairs he could evict you for breach of contract. Just ask him. He may let you. Just make sure that you get it in writing.

Answer 5

Just ask the landlord. It said on my contract I couldn't paint, but I asked after being there a few months. She told me to go ahead just not to use any really dark colors and if i did I would have to paint it before I left or pay to get it done.

Answer 6

Well it is unethical to do so. But one way around it you could ask your landlord to include a clause in your contract that would allow you to paint only if you return it to the orignal state that it was in upon moving out. I am a landllord and my tenants wanted to plant a tree. In our original contact it said that they could not alter the yard in any way. The tenant came to me, broght me the plan that she wanted, plus she purchased the tree herself planted and neutured it as well. when she moved 2 years later of course the tree had grown quite well, she opted to move the tree when she left so she filled the area with dirt and layed sod where the grass had been cut. This prompted me to return to her the whole deposit since the house was left in turn key condition the very same she got when she left.

keeping a great landlord tenant relationship is VERY important when having a sucessful living arrangement

Good luck to you!

Answer 7

That would depend on how bad you wanted that deposit back.
I lived in an apt. for 4 years and every time I wanted to paint I
asked the manager, they didn't refuse as long as I used their
paint. I not only got to do it, they provided every thing I needed
right down to the brush. I didn't like the color but free is free!

Answer 8

Ummmmmmmmm...YES thats why you sign a lease. If you want to be charged for the paint to repaint it paint away.

Answer 9

Cos if the landlord finds out before you paint it again, he can evict you for breaching the terms of your contract

Answer 10

Well, since they told you not to do it, it's better to actually not to do it, because the apartment isn't yours so whatever you do to it can put you on legal issues. Just let it the way it is:)