The Best Paint Color for Rental Property

Creating a living space that appeals to a broad range of potential tenants is vital for a successful rental property. That said, if interior decorating is not your specialty, the task can prove daunting. The goal in rental properties is to create a neutral space where anyone could visualize their belongings. Continue reading below as we break down the best paint, flooring, and cabinet colors and materials to make your rental stand out to potential renters.

Main Takeaways

• Neutral paint colors and durable finishes help rental properties appeal to more prospective tenants.
• Choosing long-lasting flooring and cabinet colors can reduce maintenance costs and tenant turnover.
• A well-maintained, move-in-ready rental can attract prospective tenants and help protect your investment.

How to Choose The Right Paint for Your Rental Property

Bright colors tend to appeal to select individuals or only fit within a particular decor scheme. Therefore, bold options could be a turn-off for anyone visiting your rental property in Philadelphia. This can severely reduce the number of possible applicants for your space. Instead, choose neutral colors that provide a blank slate to suit any décor. Check out these tips below to get the best paint result for your rental.

Go Neutral, Not White

Ideally, in a rental, it is important to keep the tones light. Light tones help to reflect natural light and can open up even the smallest spaces. While white is often the go-to neutral, it can make a living space look too sanitized or institutional. Plus, white paint does nothing to hide scuffs and marks or dirt common in rentals. Consider warmer neutrals or muted colors that create an inviting look while remaining versatile. Here are a few options to consider—

• Transcend by PPG (PPG1079-4) – Subtle with gingerbread undertones, perfect for adding elegant warmth to any space.
• Wheat Sheaf by PPG (PPG14-21) – Light and breezy gray with yellow and green undertones, perfect for walls or even kitchen cabinets.
• Dayflower by BEHR (MQ3-54) – Perfect blend of light aqua and gray for a cool and coastal vibe.
• Jojoba by BEHR (N390-3) – Pale and calming blend of mossy green, perfect for bedrooms or the master bath.
• Autumn Glow by PPG (PPG1106-3) – Soft sunflower and beige tones ideal for a dining area or accent wall paired with crisp white trim.
• Almond Wisp by BEHR (PPU5-12) – Neutral beige blended with a modern twist of rosy pinks.

Invest in Durability

Like many other things, not all paints are created equal. Therefore, durability is vital when choosing the right finish in a rental property that experiences more moving furniture and turnover than a normal home. When it comes to painting, there are several different finishes or “sheens” to choose from, and each is best suited to certain areas –

• Kitchens – High Gloss or Semi-Gloss that is durable and easy to wipe clean for minor spills and dirt.
• Living Areas – Satin or Semi-Gloss finish that can withstand the heavily trafficked areas and furniture scuffs.
• Bedrooms – Flat, Matte, or Satin finishes work great as this is a low-traffic area.
• Baths – Use Gloss or Semi-Gloss for areas where moisture is present.

Painting an entire rental can become a costly endeavor. However, investing in good quality paint from the start will save in the long run. Poor quality paint does not cover as well, requires more coats, and can look sloppy or unappealing to renters. So, if your walls need a refresh, consider a quality paint and primer in one to get great coverage, durability, and an attractive result.

Trust the Professionals

You can paint the rental yourself to save money. That said, the amount of time invested is something to consider seriously. Hiring a professional painting crew is an investment, but they have the staff, equipment, and experience to create a professional result more efficiently than many DIY projects. So, hire experienced painters to make your spaces look welcoming and well-kept.

Paint isn’t the only design choice that influences a rental property’s appeal. Flooring plays an equally important role in creating a clean, durable, and low-maintenance space. Choosing the right flooring material and color can help reduce maintenance costs while making your rental more attractive to prospective tenants.

What is the Best Flooring for a Rental Property?

When choosing flooring for your rental property, neutral is again the key to getting the best results. However, light neutral tones in flooring can easily show dirt or wear and tear. That said, deciding on color also depends on the type of flooring you need. Continue reading below as we examine the different options for rental property flooring and what each has to offer.

Hardwood Flooring

Approximate Material Cost per Square Foot: $3.00 to $7.00

Hardwood flooring is a beautiful choice for any home and comes in various styles, finishes, and colors. Cost can range from pricey to exorbitant, so choose your material carefully. Avoid exotic finishes, high-variation patterns, unnatural colors such as whitewashed finishes, or anything else visually busy. Instead, stick to classics in blonde or honey tones.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Average Material Cost per Square Foot: $2.00 to $7.00

Vinyl plank flooring is a great option for rental properties and a cost-effective alternative to hardwood. Additionally, it offers a durable and water-resistant surface in a myriad of colors and styles. With options that resemble wood or natural stone at a fraction of the cost, this is a great way to achieve luxury style without the luxury price tag. However, like hardwood, avoid exotic or unnatural finishes that will not appeal to the masses.

Ceramic or Stone Tile

Average Material Cost per Square Foot: $5.00 to $10.00

Tile is an easy-to-clean option perfect for kitchens, baths, or entryways. That said, when choosing a tile for a rental property, professional installation is key. Any variations in the subfloor or uneven installation can cause tiles to break loose, crack, or chip, which looks bad and creates a potential hazard. Additionally, steer clear of bold patterns or overly personalized designs. Instead, stick to a neutral and timeless style that will look great for years to come.

Carpeting

Average Material Cost per Square Foot: $1.00 to $20.00

Carpeted flooring runs the gamut of pricing when it comes to rental flooring options. While it is a popular and cost-effective option for rentals, it is not always the best choice. Due to the high turnover and wear and tear rentals face, the carpet will require more frequent replacement and deep-cleaning costs. For colors, grey or darker tones tend to hide dirt better than tan or beige options. However, carpet can trap odors and allergens and may require more frequent cleaning than hard-surface flooring. So, to save money for more durable options throughout the home, consider using carpet in low-traffic areas such as bedrooms instead.

Should I Paint My Rental Property Cabinets?

In the right space, dark-colored cabinetry will always have a place in interior design. However, dark cabinetry may not be the most versatile choice for every rental property. Another popular choice is Honey Oak, but its appearance can seem generic and sometimes feel cheap even when you’ve invested in quality cabinetry.

Painted cabinetry has become a popular way to update kitchens, with colors like navy, emerald, and black offering alternatives to traditional wood finishes. However, a rental is not always the ideal place to show off your personal style as an owner.

So, instead, when choosing colors for kitchen cabinets, make white your go-to—especially if you’ve avoided white paint throughout the rental unit. In the kitchen, white cabinets help the space look clean, bright, and fresh, all things people want to see. Painting cabinets is a cost-effective way to achieve an entirely new look without replacing the current cabinetry that may still be in great shape.

FAQs About the Best Paint Color for Rental Property

Choosing the right paint color for your rental property can improve its appeal and reduce maintenance over time. Below are answers to some of the most common questions landlords ask when selecting paint colors, flooring, and finishes for rental homes.

What is the best paint color for a rental property?

Neutral colors with warm undertones are often the best choice for rental properties. They appeal to a wide range of tenants, make rooms feel brighter, and complement many decorating styles.

What paint finish is best for rental properties?

The best finish depends on the room. Satin or semi-gloss works well in high-traffic areas, while bathrooms and kitchens often benefit from semi-gloss or high-gloss finishes because they’re easier to clean.

Should landlords paint rental property cabinets?

Yes, if the cabinets are in good condition. Painting cabinets is often more cost-effective than replacing them. White or other neutral colors help kitchens feel clean, bright, and inviting.

What flooring lasts the longest in a rental property?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP), tile, and properly maintained hardwood can all offer long service lives in rental properties. The best choice depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and the specific property.

How often should a rental property be repainted?

Most rental properties benefit from repainting between tenants as needed. High-traffic areas may require touch-ups more frequently, while quality paint can last several years with proper care.

 Need Help from a Property Manager in Philadelphia?

While bold styles may seem like a great way to stand out from the crowd, it ultimately limits the field of interested renters. Tenants do not want to adapt to your style; instead, they seek a well-maintained blank canvas to add their personal touches to. As a landlord, providing this is key to your success.

Along with choosing the right design, successful landlords know that choosing the right property management company is equally important. The dedicated Philadelphia property managers at Bay Property Management Group can help investors make the right renovation choices to maximize both appeal and profits. So, if you are looking for design ideas or just need help with day-to-day operations, contact our team at BMG today.