Leaving a home after a separation often comes with a to-do list that seems to grow every time you look at it. Somewhere on that list, usually between “cancel the broadband” and “return the spare key”, sits a question about the walls. Scuffed hallways, crayon in a child’s bedroom, the patch where the television bracket used to hang: should you paint before you go, or leave it?
The answer depends heavily on whether you rent or own, who is staying behind and what condition the walls were in to begin with.
If you are renting: check before you touch a brush
Tenants generally need the landlord’s written permission before repainting. A well-meant weekend of painting in a slightly different shade of white can create a bigger problem than the original marks, especially if the finish is patchy or the colour does not match. Unless the landlord has agreed, it is usually better to clean rather than paint.
Fair wear and tear is normally the landlord’s concern, while damage beyond that can be deducted from the bond. Small nail holes and slightly faded paint after several years are typically treated as wear and tear; a wall covered in drawings or a large gouge from moving furniture may not be. Take time-stamped photos of every wall before leaving, ideally alongside the original entry inspection report, so there is a clear record.
A good clean goes a long way. Sugar soap and a soft sponge will lift most fingerprints and scuffs. Test any cleaning product on a hidden area first, as some flat paints mark easily.
If you own the home and one person is staying
When one partner is staying in the house, painting before the other moves out is rarely necessary. The person staying will probably want to choose their own colours anyway. What can help is agreeing who will patch the holes left by furniture, shelves and picture hooks belonging to the person leaving. Filling and sanding a few holes is a small job, but it is a common source of resentment when it is left undone.
If the house is being sold
When the home is going on the market, a fresh coat in key rooms can help it present well. Focus on:
- The entrance and hallway, where first impressions form
- Main living and dining areas
- The main bedroom
- Any room with bold colours, such as a bright feature wall or a child’s themed bedroom
- Ceilings with water stains or mould spots
Move-out painting is often done in a rush between the furniture leaving and the photographer arriving, which is actually a good time: empty rooms are faster and cheaper to paint. If both owners have agreed on a budget, getting written quotes from two or three trades, such as Hamilton painters for a Waikato home, gives a clear scope and cost to share. Ask each quote to list preparation, number of coats, paint brand and whether ceilings and trims are included.
As a rough guide, a single standard bedroom might cost a few hundred dollars to over a thousand to have painted professionally, with more for larger rooms, high stud ceilings or extensive repairs. Costs vary between regions and with the condition of the walls.
Doing it yourself: a weekend plan
If budget is tight and the job is modest, painting a couple of rooms yourself is very achievable:
- Friday evening: Clear the room, wash walls with sugar soap and let them dry overnight.
- Saturday morning: Fill holes and cracks, sand when dry, spot-prime the patches, and tape skirting boards and window frames.
- Saturday afternoon: Cut in around edges, then roll the first coat.
- Sunday: Apply the second coat, remove tape while the paint is still slightly soft, and clean up.
Choose a low-sheen acrylic for walls in living areas, a semi-gloss for wet areas and trims, and keep the colour simple. A warm off-white or soft grey suits most homes. Keep the leftover paint, clearly labelled with the room and colour name, for touch-ups or for the next owner.
Frequently asked questions
Can I be charged if I do not repaint a rental? Usually not for normal wear and tear, but damage beyond that may affect the bond. Check the tenancy agreement and keep photos of the walls on leaving.
Should I paint before or after the furniture is moved out? After, if possible. Empty rooms are quicker to paint, and there is less risk of damage to fresh walls during the move.
What paint colour is safest for selling? Soft neutrals such as warm whites and light greys suit most buyers and photograph well.