Summer rentals can experience plenty of normal wear and tear. Sand, moisture, luggage, frequent foot traffic, spills, and everyday use can leave walls scuffed and surfaces looking tired. Knowing how to refresh a rental property between tenants can help you prepare the space for new arrivals without completing a major renovation.
A thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of Benjamin Moore paint can make the property feel brighter, cleaner, and more welcoming.
Start With a Thorough Cleaning
Before painting or making repairs, clean the rental from top to bottom. Pay special attention to high-touch areas and places that collect dirt during a busy rental season.
Your cleaning checklist may include:
- Washing walls, doors, and trim
- Removing marks around light switches
- Cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces
- Wiping down cabinets and shelving
- Cleaning windows and baseboards
- Removing sand and debris from floors
- Checking for mildew in moisture-prone areas
Kucker Haney Paint Co. carries select cleaning products and supplies that can help property owners and managers prepare surfaces before painting. Proper cleaning helps paint adhere better and produces a smoother, longer-lasting finish.
Inspect the Walls for Normal Wear and Tear
Scuffs, small nail holes, fingerprints, and minor marks are common between tenants. Walk through each room in natural and artificial light to identify areas that need attention.
Fill small holes and sand surface imperfections before painting. Walls with stains, discoloration, or previous repairs may also need a primer to create an even surface.
Do not forget to inspect doors, trim, baseboards, closets, and hallways. These areas often receive more wear than expected, especially in a frequently occupied summer rental.
Can You Touch Up the Paint or Should You Repaint?
Touch-ups may be enough when the existing paint is relatively new, and you have the original color and finish. However, touched-up areas can sometimes look uneven if the paint has faded or the walls have been cleaned repeatedly.
Repainting the entire wall or room may be the better choice when:
- There are numerous scuffs and marks
- The existing color has faded
- Previous touch-ups are visible
- Repairs have been made in several places
- The room looks dark or dated
- Odors or stains need to be covered properly
A complete repaint gives the room a more consistent appearance and can make the entire rental feel refreshed.
Choose Benjamin Moore Paint for a Durable Finish
Benjamin Moore offers paint options that are well suited for frequently used rental properties. The right product and finish can make walls easier to clean while helping them withstand everyday activity.
Eggshell and satin finishes are often practical choices for living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other busy areas. These finishes typically provide more washability than a flat finish. Kitchens, bathrooms, doors, and trim may benefit from a more durable finish that can handle moisture and regular cleaning.
The team at Kucker Haney can help you select the appropriate Benjamin Moore paint and finish for each area of the property.
What Paint Colors Work Best in a Rental Property?
Neutral paint colors appeal to a wide range of tenants and make it easier to coordinate furniture, bedding, and décor. Light neutrals can also help smaller rooms feel brighter and more spacious.
Consider versatile Benjamin Moore colors such as:
White Dove OC-17
White Dove is a soft, warm white that works well on walls, trim, and cabinets. It creates a clean appearance without feeling overly stark.
Classic Gray OC-23
Classic Gray is a subtle neutral that works with many decorating styles. It can help rental interiors feel updated while keeping furnishings as the focus.
Pale Oak OC-20
Pale Oak is a warm, light neutral that adds softness to bedrooms, living rooms, and open floor plans.
Edgecomb Gray HC-173
Edgecomb Gray offers a comfortable balance between gray and beige. It is a practical option for rental properties with warm wood, natural textures, or coastal-inspired décor.
Always test a paint sample in the room before making your final decision. Lighting, flooring, furniture, and nearby colors can all affect how the paint appears.
Pay Attention to Doors, Trim, and Cabinets
Fresh walls can make worn doors and trim more noticeable. Cleaning or repainting these surfaces can give the property a more complete, polished appearance.
Inspect baseboards, door frames, window trim, and interior doors for dirt, chips, and scuffs. If kitchen or bathroom cabinets are structurally sound but look dated, painting them may provide a more affordable update than replacing them.
Proper surface preparation and the correct Benjamin Moore product are especially important when painting previously finished woodwork or cabinets.
Replace Worn Painting and Cleaning Supplies
Having the right supplies can make a rental turnover faster and more efficient. Depending on the condition of the property, you may need:
- Wall cleaner and cleaning cloths
- Spackle or patching compound
- Sandpaper
- Painter’s tape
- Drop cloths
- Brushes and rollers
- Paint trays and liners
- Primer
- Caulk and a caulking tool
Kucker Haney Paint Co. carries paint, cleaning products, and project supplies to help you prepare, repair, and refresh rental properties.
Prepare Your Rental for Its Next Tenants
Cleaning worn surfaces, repairing minor damage, and applying fresh Benjamin Moore paint updates a rental between tenants. These improvements can help the space feel cared for and ready for its next occupants.
Visit Kucker Haney Paint Co. in Princeton, East Windsor, or Hamilton, New Jersey, for Benjamin Moore paint, cleaning products, painting supplies, and knowledgeable assistance with your rental refresh.