Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Repairs · Decoration
Painting a rented home
Landlordexterior & repairs
Tenantask first
Wear & tearallowed
Depositsapportion
In short: Landlords are responsible for the structure and exterior, which includes exterior painting where needed to protect the building, and for making good after repairs they carry out. Internal redecoration is usually the landlord's choice between tenancies; there's no fixed legal timetable. Tenants shouldn't paint without written permission, and must return the home in the same condition, allowing for fair wear and tear. If a tenant damages paintwork, deductions from the deposit should reflect the age of the paint, not the full cost of new decoration.
| Situation | Usually responsible |
|---|---|
| Exterior paint protecting the building | Landlord |
| Making good after the landlord's repairs | Landlord |
| Scuffs and fading from normal living | Nobody: fair wear and tear |
| Damage, stains, unapproved colours | Tenant |
| Mould from a damp problem | Landlord, once reported |
Who pays?
Redecoration deduction calculator
Remaining life–
Fair deduction–
Deposit schemes expect deductions to be proportionate; only for damage beyond fair wear and tear.
For tenants who want to paint
Frequently asked questions
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Can I paint my rented flat?
Only with your landlord's permission.
How often must landlords repaint?
There is no set legal timetable.
Can a landlord charge for full redecoration?
Only a fair share for damage, not wear and tear.
Want hassle-free maintenance?
Our managed service handles check-ins, inventories and redecoration between tenancies.
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