Have You Ever Painted A Rental Without Permission in Canada?
Moving into a new rental home can create a lot of ideas and design inspiration, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. If you have previous experience as a homeowner then you know all too well the perks of being able to do anything to your house. You didn’t need permission from a landlord or anyone else—you could just go to town!
But when you are renting a home the landlord can sometimes be difficult to work with or hard to get a hold of. They might possibly be a little too demanding. Most of these traits can make it difficult to come to an agreement. In some cases, you might even forget about their issues and go ahead and paint the house you’re renting anyway! After all, it’s the home that you’re living in. Sometimes there will be issues like interior paint colours you don’t enjoy or even shoddy paint jobs. You might even find non-matching cabinets or even odd smells in your home. All of these reasons can add to your urgency to paint the place so you can live in it more comfortably.
Not a fan of your interior paint colours?
So, you’re all moved into your new rental property and find that you don’t like the paint colours that are already on the walls. Certain shades can make your living space look and feel smaller. That can make daily living quite unbearable. If you decide to do some apartment painting without permission from your landlord, chances are they won’t complain about it if you choose tasteful paint colours, like neutral tones. It’s key to stay away from trendy colour schemes. If you choose nice neutrals for your interior painting, the landlord may very well appreciate your efforts!
What’s within your rights as a tenant…
If the house you’re renting has an odd smell or a foul pet odour that is almost impossible to get rid of, this issue can be viewed as damage done. You, as the new tenant, would have the right to request the home be rid of the smell since it has become a nuisance.
Fortunately for you, the quickest and most efficient way to get rid of these types of smells is to repaint the walls. Given the situation, the landlord may offer to pay for the paint but nothing more. This loophole won’t always work, so take note of how the next place you’re renting smells. Always be sure to ask ahead of time about painting the space if you’re not a fan of the past tenant’s paint colours.
Working things out with your landlord
What you could do if you get a hold of your landlord is to ask them to provide the paint and supplies. Then you could offer to paint the house or apartment yourself. This way you are putting in your time and effort and the landlord is putting in their money to invest in their living space. This way you can potentially both be happy with it.
Unfortunately, not all landlords will be fine with the idea of painting property that ultimately belongs to them. Some might feel uncomfortable leaving tenants to take matters into their own hands. The repercussions of this can lead to losing your security deposit. Many tenants may feel like it’s worth the loss to live in such a nicely painted apartment. The choice is ultimately yours to make.
The best colours to choose to please your landlord
As we’ve previously stated, your landlord potentially could be quite happy with your efforts to paint their place new and desirable interior paint colours. After all, if they are currently outfitted in outdated colours, there’s only a small chance that someone will want to rent from them later on.
In order to keep you both happy, it’s best to go with neutrals. First of all, a nice bright white does wonders to open up a small space. Chantilly Lace is always a beautiful choice as it’s clean and crisp. If you want to go a tad warmer and more of a taupe, Revere Pewter is a nice neutral option. And you really can’t go wrong if you want to go a bit more modern with grey. Stonington Grey isn’t too dark and has just the right amount of coolness.
The “Right” Way to Do It
If your heart is set on a new colour scheme for your rental, here’s the essential step you need to take before you can begin:
- Consult with Your Landlord: The first (and most crucial) step should always be to communicate with your landlord. Discuss your plans openly, present your case as to why a change in colour would be beneficial, and be prepared to negotiate. Some landlords may be open to your customization request, while others may ask for the paint to be restored to its original colour before you move out. Either way, getting permission is imperative.
- Written Consent is Best: Relying on verbal agreements can be dicey when it comes to rental modifications. It’s in your best interest to seek written consent from your landlord, detailing the agreed-upon changes and responsibilities. This document will serve as a factual testament should any disputes arise.
- Be Prepared to Shoulder the Expense: Often, landlords who agree to let you paint will expect you to bear the cost. This could include the cost of paint, brushes, and labour, along with any potential restoration costs.
How to Personalize Your Space
Transforming your rental property into a personal haven doesn’t always mean painting the walls. Luckily, there are numerous ways to infuse charm and character into your space without irking the landlord or violating your lease agreement.
1. Use Removable Wallpaper or Wall Decals:
Removable wallpapers come in myriad patterns, colours, and textures and can modify the look of your space significantly. Wall decals are yet another option for a fun and transformative decor element. The best part? They can be easily removed when it’s time to move out.
2. Fabric and Tapestries:
You can play with fabrics or hang beautiful tapestries to add warmth and colour without getting close to a paintbrush. They also provide a practical solution for covering unsightly walls.
3. Invest in Accent Furniture:
Accent furniture pieces are an excellent way to introduce colour and character to your space. A statement couch, a vibrant area rug, or a quirky coffee table can serve as attractive focal points.
4. Hang Artwork:
What better way to show off your style than through art? And we’re not talking just paintings—think framed posters, photography, wall plates, or fabric art. Many modern hanging systems mean you don’t even have to make holes in the walls.
5. Lighting:
Never underestimate the power of lighting. A strategic play of light can transform your room dramatically. Choose from floor lamps, table lamps, or even fairy lights to create a mood that reflects your personality.
6. Plants:
Indoor plants bring life and freshness to your space. Plus, they come in all sizes and shapes and can add a great touch of colour.
7. Accessorize:
From cushions and throws to trinkets, accessories let you inject colour and texture into your décor. They are relatively inexpensive, easy to change, and can be moved around until you’re satisfied with the layout.
Remember, personalizing your space is about creating a home that reflects your taste and personality. The trick is to ensure it can all be easily undone when it comes time to hand back the keys.
Concluding Thoughts
Living in a rental property doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your sense of style or comfort. However, maintaining open lines of communication and respecting the landlord’s property is crucial. Painting without permission can result in unexpected costs and legal disputes and strain your relationship with your landlord. So, before you decide to change up the colour palette in your rental, remember to take a respectful and straightforward approach for a smooth, satisfying, and colourful living experience.
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“Have You Ever Painted A Rental Without Permission?”
Are you tired of looking at the walls of your rental that you’d like a professional to come in and take care of them for you? Give HPT a call today! They’ll take care of that outdated paint job or funky smell by painting your home fast, efficiently, and affordably. Call us NOW at 416-494-9095 or email us at Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com. And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
