21.2% of residents in South Australia are currently renting. Now although that doesn’t sound like a big number, it’s definitely a major concern for tenants in Adelaide on whether or not they should repaint their house or lose their deposit?
Most of us make do with the cards that we are dealt. Which in house painting terms means that we stick to the original interior paint that the house came with.
But that doesn’t mean Adelaideans don’t want to personalise their homes. Quite a few home and commercial renters repaint their living or working space and at the end of it, they’re left with the impending question – do I need to repaint before moving out? Or should I leave it as is.
Let’s debunk some particulars before we actually get into the crux of the matter.
Does Your Lease Agreement Allow Repainting over the original coat?
Is your landlord or property agent okay with the repaint? How far off is it from the original paint color? If you painted a Dulux eggshell white over a Taubman’s egg shell – we don’t think most people would be able to tell.
If your lease agreement does not allow it, but you’ve gone ahead and done a repaint, you’ll most likely have to fix the paint colors back to their original. Unless the landlord is okay with it.
Pro tip: make sure to get it in writing – even if it’s someone you know. We’ve all been victims of catfish property photos on realestate.com and domain.com from 10 years ago. If a tenant came in looking for something that matches the colors from the photos— boy are they in for a surprise.
If the answer is yes, let’s look at when you should consider a repaint.
Normal Wear and Tear vs. Actual Damage
The next question you need to start asking yourself is whether this is just a part of your normal wear and tear or is this real damage caused from your occupying the space?
What Counts as “Damage”?
Let’s say you’ve got a couple of small scuffs on the wall where your couch rubbed or maybe tiny nail holes from hanging that family portrait—these are typically considered normal wear and tear. However, if you went a little overboard with your custom paint job (think bright graffiti art or intense dark colours) and it’s nowhere near the original shade, that could be classified as damage. Or if there are large cracks, chips or peeled paint because you didn’t prep properly, you might have some explaining to do.
Pro tip: The South Australian Residential Tenancies Act offers some guidance on what’s wear and tear versus actual damage. If in doubt, check with your landlord or property manager— just in case.
Understanding Your Lease Agreement
Your lease is the ultimate guide here. Some landlords are super relaxed—especially if you’re switching from one neutral shade to another. Others, not so much. If your lease specifically says “No changes to walls without written permission,” and you’ve gone ahead and done a midnight makeover, you might need to restore the original colour (sorry!).
Even if you used a similar shade—like Dulux Eggshell White over Taubmans Eggshell—it’s still best to confirm if your landlord or agent is cool with the swap. You don’t want any nasty surprises during the final inspection.
Why Repainting Might Be a Good Idea
So, you’re on the fence about whether or not to repaint. Here are some scenarios where a fresh coat might actually pay off:
- You’re Worried About Your Bond
If your walls are sporting more than minor wear and tear (like dented corners, chipped paint, or a child’s scribble masterpiece), repainting could prevent a chunk of your bond from being withheld. - You Went Bold—Really Bold
Let’s say you painted an accent wall in bright orange or pitch black. If that was never cleared with the landlord, or if it’s obviously not “normal,” it might be worth reverting it back to a neutral shade before you hand in the keys. - You’re Handing Over a ‘Fixer-Upper’
Sometimes, a property just needs a little TLC. If the paint is peeling or the walls look tired, a simple repaint can help you leave the place better than you found it—always a plus for references and future rentals.
Unsure whether a quick touch-up will do or if you need a full-blown repaint? Check out our painting services in Adelaide to see the scope of work we can handle.
DIY vs. Professional: Deciding Who Paints
Thinking of painting yourself? If it’s one small wall or a few touch-ups, you might handle it without too much trouble. But keep in mind:
- Preparation is Key: Fix cracks or holes, sand down rough patches and use drop sheets so you don’t get paint on the carpet.
- Quality Counts: A sloppy job might look worse than no paint job at all so if you’re pressed for time (or just bad at painting), consider a professional.
If you’d rather spare yourself the hassle of drop sheets and ladders, give our house painters in Adelaide a buzz. We’ve got the gear, the expertise and a track record of saving tenants from last-minute painting disasters.
Should I Get A Repaint Done?
The key here is to know your lease and recognise whether you’re dealing with basic wear and tear or genuine damage. If you’ve changed the property’s paint in a way that stands out (and not in a good way), a quick repaint can help you dodge a bond-related bullet. On the other hand, if the landlord’s fine with your upgrades—or if the colors are similar enough that no one can tell—then you might be good to go.
Most importantly, keep everything above-board by chatting with your property manager or landlord. Get their okay in writing if possible. That way, you’ll have a smooth exit from your Adelaide rental without any unexpected expenses eating into your moving budget.
Still Need Help?
If you’re short on time—or painting skills—contact our Adelaide team for a quick quote. We’ve seen every painting scenario under the sun and we’re here to make sure you don’t risk losing your deposit over a bad paint job.
Disclaimer: This post provides general information for tenants in Adelaide, South Australia and shouldn’t be taken as legal advice. Always consult the Residential Tenancies Act 1995 or speak to a professional if you need specific guidance.