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End‑of‑Tenancy Painting Checklist: How to Leave Your London Rental Immaculate

Rich Pryce

Moving out of a London rental isn’t just about packing up your stuff or giving everything a quick clean. Lots of tenants forget about the painting requirements—and that can really affect whether you get your deposit back.

A proper end-of-tenancy painting checklist helps you sort out all the touch-ups, repairs, or full repaints you might need to restore your rental property to its original state.

London landlords and letting agents have pretty high standards for the property’s condition at move-out. Scuff marks, nail holes, or faded paint can really eat into your deposit if you don’t sort them out.

The trick is knowing what painting work you need to do, and what counts as normal wear and tear. Sometimes it’s not as clear-cut as you’d hope.

Key Takeaways

Understanding End-of-Tenancy Painting Requirements

Your tenancy agreement spells out your painting obligations. Letting agents usually want the place to look professionally presented, which is more than just a wipe-down.

The real difference is between what’s fair wear and tear, and what’s actual damage you’ll have to fix yourself.

When Painting Is Required by Your Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement will tell you exactly what painting you’re expected to do. Most say you’ve got to return the property to its original condition.

Common painting requirements include:

Some agreements say you need written permission before painting anything. If you changed the colours without asking, you’ll probably have to repaint everything back to how it was.

Look for clauses about “end of tenancy requirements” or “alterations.” Those sections will spell out what you need to do.

Always keep records of:

Standards Expected by Letting Agents and Landlords

Letting agents and landlords want the place looking ready for new tenants, basically as close to “showroom” as you can get.

Professional standards include:

Minor scuffs from hanging pictures usually count as fair wear and tear. But if you’ve left loads of nail holes, crayon marks, or stains, you’ll need to fix those.

Letting agents often do detailed inspections. They’ll take photos of any painting issues and might bring in decorators—at your expense.

They’ll look closely at:

Fair Wear and Tear Versus Damage

Fair wear and tear just means normal aging from everyday life. Damage goes beyond that—it’s stuff that needs repainting or repair.

Fair Wear and Tear Tenant Damage
Small nail holes from pictures Large holes from heavy fixtures
Light scuffing at shoulder height Crayon or pen marks
Minor fading from sunlight Smoke staining
Slight marking around light switches Food stains or splashes

Fair wear and tear examples:

Damage that means repainting:

Letting agents can’t charge you for fair wear and tear. If they want to deduct painting costs, they need to prove it’s actual damage.

Take loads of photos when you move in and out. It’s your best bet if you end up disputing charges.

Preparing Your London Rental for Painting

Before you start painting, you’ve got to get the basics sorted. That means checking your paperwork, picking the right colours, and getting your workspace ready.

Reviewing Inventory and Final Inspection Reports

Dig out your original inventory report and any old inspection docs. They’ll show exactly what the place looked like when you arrived.

Check for notes about paint damage, scuffs, or discolouration. Figure out which marks or holes were already there.

Compare your current walls to those records. Focus on what’s just normal wear and what you’re actually responsible for.

If you’re not sure what needs painting, ask your letting agent. It’s better to get clarity now than argue later.

Snap a few photos of any problem areas before you start work. It’s just good evidence if there are questions later.

Keep all your docs in one place. If there’s a dispute during your final inspection, you’ll want them handy.

Selecting Paint Colours and Finishes

Stick to neutral colours that match what was there before. Most London rentals go for magnolia, white, or light cream—nothing too bold.

Don’t use bright or dark colours unless your agreement says it’s fine. Trust me, covering them up later is a pain.

Pick the right paint finish for each room:

Go for decent-quality paint. Cheap stuff usually means more coats and worse coverage on stains.

Buy a bit more paint than you think you’ll need. It’s annoying to run out halfway through.

Test your chosen colour on a small hidden patch first. Lighting in your flat can really change how it looks.

Gathering Supplies and Protecting Surfaces

Make a solid shopping list before you start. Basics are brushes, rollers, trays, and dust sheets.

Here’s what you’ll need:

If you can, move furniture out of the room. It’ll save you from accidental splatters and make painting way easier.

Cover anything left behind with plastic sheets. Tape them down so they don’t slip mid-job.

Protect your floors with proper dust sheets or plastic. Paint on carpets or wood is a fast way to lose part of your deposit.

Give the walls a good clean before you paint. Dirt, grease, and cobwebs mess with paint sticking properly.

Fill small nail holes with filler, then sand them smooth once they’re dry. Wipe down before you start painting.

Step-By-Step End-of-Tenancy Painting Checklist

Getting ready is half the battle. If you prep well, the painting itself goes much smoother and looks way more professional in the end.

Cleaning and Prepping Walls, Ceilings, and Woodwork

Start by wiping down all surfaces with a damp cloth and some mild detergent. Focus on spots around light switches, door handles, and skirting boards—they’re always grubby.

Wall Cleaning Process:

Some landlords want you to use specific cleaning products. Double-check your tenancy cleaning requirements, and avoid anything too harsh that could damage the paint.

Remove or cover all furniture and floors with dust sheets. Take down wall hangings carefully so you don’t chip the paint more.

Dust or vacuum the ceilings, especially in corners and around light fittings where cobwebs collect.

Lightly sand any glossy surfaces so the new paint sticks. Use fine sandpaper and wipe away the dust with a tack cloth.

Repairing Holes, Cracks, and Scuffs

Fill nail holes and small dents with filler. Ready-mixed filler works for holes up to 5mm, but use powdered filler for anything bigger.

What you’ll need for repairs:

Apply the filler just a bit above the surface—it shrinks as it dries. Let it dry completely before moving on.

Sand the patched spots smooth with small, circular motions. Try to blend the edges into the rest of the wall.

For bigger holes or crumbling plaster, you might need mesh patches or even a pro. Bad repairs show through paint and could cost you later.

Check for cracks in corners and around doors. Seal them with flexible filler or caulk, or they’ll just come back.

Priming and Application Techniques

Apply primer to all repaired areas and to spots where you’ve changed the paint colour a lot. This helps everything look even and stops patches from showing through.

Use good brushes and rollers that match your paint type. A 9-inch roller with a medium pile sleeve usually works for most walls.

Painting Order:

  1. Ceiling first
  2. Walls second
  3. Woodwork and trim last

Paint in thin, even coats instead of trying to cover everything in one go. Most walls need two coats to look right.

Work in natural light if you can—it makes it easier to spot missed spots or uneven patches. Sometimes, a torch helps you check corners and behind radiators too.

Let each coat dry fully before you add the next one. Rushing this step usually leads to poor results and visible brush marks.

Clean your brushes and rollers as soon as you’re done. That way, you keep your cleaning checklist on track for the whole project.

Deep Cleaning After Painting

After painting, deep cleaning is key to get rid of paint residue and bring the place back to its best. You’ll need to tackle splatters, clean carpets and floors, and make sure the air feels fresh again.

Removing Paint Splatters and Residue

Paint splatters happen, no matter how careful you are. Removing them properly should be on your end of tenancy cleaning checklist.

For fresh water-based paint splatters:

For dried paint on hard surfaces:

Don’t skip cleaning light switches, plug sockets, and door handles. Paint sneaks onto these spots more often than you’d think.

Window cleaning needs special attention:

Check skirting boards, door frames, and radiators for drips. These spots get overlooked, but landlords notice them during checks.

Carpet and Floor Cleaning Post-Painting

Carpets pick up dust and paint particles as you decorate. A good clean is a must after painting.

Professional steam cleaning works best:

For DIY carpet cleaning:

Hard floor cleaning steps:

  1. Sweep or vacuum loose debris
  2. Mop with the right cleaner
  3. Focus on corners and edges where paint hides
  4. Polish wooden floors when you’re done

Remember to clean under furniture you moved. Paint dust travels and settles in places you might not expect.

Stair cleaning needs extra care:

Ventilation and Odour Control

Getting rid of paint fumes and moisture matters, especially if you want to avoid long-term smells and protect your deposit.

Immediate ventilation steps:

Odour elimination methods:

Air quality improvement:

Keep an eye on humidity while paint dries. Too much moisture can mess up the finish and cause musty smells.

Final air quality checks:

If the place has poor ventilation or stubborn smells, maybe hire a pro air purification service. Sometimes, it’s just easier.

Considerations for Professional Painting and Cleaning Services

Thinking about hiring pros for your end-of-tenancy work? It’s worth weighing the cost, timing, and quality you’ll get. Professional help can save time and boost your chances of getting your deposit back, but you need to choose and coordinate carefully.

When to Hire Professional End-of-Tenancy Cleaners

Sometimes, a property just needs more than a standard clean. If you’ve got a big place, lots of bathrooms, or loads of carpeting, professional cleaning makes sense.

If you’re short on time—say, less than a week between moving out and inspection—pros can get it done fast. They know what landlords look for.

Consider professionals when you have:

Most cleaning services charge £200-£500 for a standard property. It sounds like a lot, but often you make it back by getting your full deposit returned.

Benefits of Professional End-of-Tenancy Painting

Professional painters deliver consistent, high-quality finishes that landlords expect. They use proper prep, good materials, and they know the rental market’s standards.

Key advantages include:

Expect to pay £15-25 per square metre for standard emulsion. Small touch-ups usually start at £50-100 per room.

Pros can also help with colour matching and deciding which areas actually need painting versus just a good clean.

Coordinating Cleaning and Painting Timelines

Get the order right to avoid extra work. Always finish painting before the final clean so you don’t end up cleaning twice.

Recommended timeline:

  1. Week 3-4 before move-out: Book painting services
  2. Week 2: Finish all painting jobs
  3. Week 1: Schedule professional end of tenancy cleaning
  4. Final day: Do a touch-up check and final clean

Leave 24-48 hours between painting and cleaning. That way, paint can cure and you won’t risk damaging it during cleaning.

Sort out access ahead of time. Both services need empty rooms and may need keys or access codes. Don’t forget about parking for their vans.

Checking Credentials and References

Check out all cleaning companies before you book. Look up their business registration, insurance, and reviews from different sites.

Essential checks include:

Ask for references from recent end-of-tenancy jobs. Regular house cleaning isn’t the same as moving-out standards.

Be wary of companies that want full payment upfront or quote way below the usual rates. Quality pros invest in the right gear and training.

Look for a guarantee policy. Good companies offer a return visit if your landlord finds missed spots during inspection.

Ensuring Deposit Return After Painting

Getting your full deposit back means documenting your work and staying in touch with your letting agent. Doing things right helps you avoid disputes and proves you’ve left the place in great shape.

Documenting Your Painting and Cleaning Work

Take detailed photos of every room you’ve painted before your final inspection. Get wide shots and close-ups, especially of any spots you fixed or that were damaged before.

Include timestamps or keep the photos with dated receipts for paint and supplies. This gives you a clear record of your work.

Essential documentation includes:

Make a simple list of which rooms you painted and what colours you used. If you restored walls to the original colour, snap a photo of the paint tins or colour cards as proof.

Save your photos in clearly labelled folders on your phone or computer. Email yourself a backup before inspection, just in case.

Communicating with Your Letting Agent or Landlord

Get in touch with your letting agent at least a week before moving out to arrange the final inspection. Mention the painting work you did in your first message.

Send a short email listing the rooms you painted and repairs you made. Attach a few photos showing the current condition.

When communicating, include:

Be upfront about any areas you couldn’t fully restore. It’s better to explain these ahead of time than to get caught out during inspection.

Ask your agent what they expect for painted surfaces. Some don’t want tenants to paint at all, while others are happy with a tidy touch-up.

Resolving Disputes and Presenting Evidence

If your agent wants to deduct from your deposit for painting issues, ask for a detailed explanation in writing. Get them to specify which areas they’re unhappy with.

Show your documentation clearly. Start with before photos, explain what you did, then show after photos that prove the improvement.

Key evidence to present:

Landlords can’t charge for normal wear and tear. Scuffs or slight fading from everyday living don’t count for deposit deductions.

If the dispute drags on, use your tenancy deposit scheme’s free dispute resolution. Upload your photos and receipts to their online system within three months of moving out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tenants in London often stress about paint costs and cleaning standards at the end of a tenancy. Knowing what’s expected for painted walls can help you keep your deposit safe and avoid last-minute surprises.

What does a thorough end-of-tenancy cleaning include for painted surfaces?

You’ll need to clean all painted walls and surfaces to get rid of everyday dirt and grime. Wipe down the walls using gentle cleaning products to tackle dust, fingerprints, and any light marks.

Don’t forget the spots around light switches, door frames, and skirting boards—those areas collect grime fast. A mild detergent and a top-to-bottom approach help prevent streaks, though honestly, it’s not always perfect.

Walls should look fresh and tidy, but you don’t need to repaint just because of normal wear from living there.

Are there specific colours or types of paint I should use to touch up walls in a London rental property?

First, check your tenancy agreement since some landlords have rules about paint colours or finishes. Most places stick with standard white or magnolia emulsion for walls.

If you’re touching up, try to match the original paint as closely as possible. Matt emulsion is usually the go-to, but sometimes you’ll find vinyl silk in certain rooms.

Hang onto leftover paint tins from earlier touch-ups—paint shades can change between batches. If you’re not sure what to use, just ask your landlord or agent before you buy anything new.

How do I address nail holes or minor wall damage before vacating my rental flat?

For small nail holes, grab some decorator’s filler or polyfilla. Clean the spot, press in the filler with a putty knife, and level it off.

Let it dry, then sand gently until it’s smooth. You might need to dab on some matching paint to blend everything in.

Big holes or major damage? That’s another story. Talk to your landlord before you try to fix anything significant—bad repairs can end up costing you more.

What level of cleanliness is expected for painted walls when moving out of a rented property?

Your walls should be clean and free from removable marks and dirt. Wipe away scuffs, sticky stuff, and any obvious buildup from your time there.

The place needs to be in about the same shape as when you moved in, with reasonable wear and tear allowed. Minor scuffs or fading from furniture are usually fine.

Take photos of the walls when you move in and out. It’s a lifesaver if there’s ever a dispute over what counts as wear versus damage.

Is it the tenant’s responsibility to repaint after hanging pictures or shelves?

You don’t normally have to repaint the whole wall after hanging pictures, as long as you fill the holes properly. Small holes from light frames are seen as normal use.

If you’ve drilled a bunch of big holes or used heavy fixings that left damage, you might need to repaint or pay for a pro to do it. It’s a bit of a grey area sometimes.

Double-check your tenancy agreement for any rules about wall changes. Some landlords want you to ask before hanging anything, others are more relaxed.

Can a landlord deduct painting costs from the deposit if there are scuffs or marks on the walls?

Landlords can only deduct costs for damage that goes beyond normal wear and tear. Light scuffs from everyday living usually count as acceptable and shouldn’t lead to a deposit deduction.

But if the walls have excessive marks, crayon drawings, or sticky tape residue that won’t come off, then landlords might feel justified in deducting painting costs from your deposit.

If your landlord wants to deduct for painting, they need to show proof that the damage is more than just fair wear and tear. You can challenge any unreasonable deductions through your deposit protection scheme.

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