Letter To Landlord For Painting Before Move In
A fresh coat of paint makes a rented flat feel like home — and it is a reasonable request before you move in. This letter asks your landlord politely, offers flexibility on timing, and keeps the request professional.
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When and how to use this letter
Timing is everything with this request: ask after the agreement is signed but before you move in, when the flat is empty and painting is cheapest to do. Landlords are most receptive at this point because an empty flat paints in a day, while painting around your furniture later is a hassle nobody wants.
Keep the request reasonable in scope. Asking for the visibly worn rooms is fair; demanding the whole flat in premium paint before paying the first rent can sour the relationship. The letter names specific rooms, which shows you are being practical rather than demanding.
Offering to arrange the painting yourself, with the landlord's approval, is the letter's smartest line. Many landlords agree in principle but stall on organising it; removing the hassle often turns a 'maybe later' into a yes. If you pay, agree in writing beforehand whether the cost is shared or reimbursed.
What happens next: most landlords agree to basic repainting between tenancies as standard practice. Get the agreement in writing — even a message confirming 'yes, painting will be done before the 1st' — and take dated photos after the work. If the landlord refuses, you can still paint at your own cost with written permission, since unapproved alterations can cause deposit disputes later.
Frequently asked questions
Is the landlord obliged to repaint before I move in?
Can I paint the flat myself if the landlord agrees?
When is the best time to make this request?
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