Can Renters Paint Walls? 5 Smart Tips for Tenants

A practical guide to refreshing your rental without losing your deposit. Includes landlord permission tips, peel-and-stick options, and colour strategies.

You've been staring at those magnolia walls for months. Maybe years. They're not offensive, exactly – they're just… beige. Lifeless. You dream of a soft sage green in the bedroom, or maybe a bold navy accent wall in the living room. But then the worry creeps in: "Am I even allowed to paint? Will I lose my deposit?"

It's the classic renter's dilemma. You want your space to feel like yours, but you also don't want to hand over your hard-earned cash when you eventually move out. The good news? Yes, renters can often paint – but you need to be smart about it.

We've painted hundreds of properties across South London, from Brixton flats to Wandsworth houses. We've seen what landlords accept, what they deduct for, and how tenants can transform their space safely. Here's everything you need to know.

First, Read Your Tenancy Agreement

This might sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people skip it. Your tenancy agreement usually has a clause about alterations. Look for phrases like:

• "No alterations or decorations without written consent"
• "Tenant shall not redecorate without permission"
• "Walls must be returned to original colour at end of tenancy"

If it says you can't paint without permission, that doesn't mean it's impossible – it just means you need to ask. And many landlords, especially if you've been a good tenant, will say yes.

What If the Tenancy Says "No"?

Some contracts explicitly forbid painting. But here's the thing – landlords are often more flexible than the paperwork suggests, especially if you've been reliable with rent and look after the property. A polite email or conversation can work wonders.

If they still say no, don't despair. There are plenty of temporary, deposit-safe alternatives (more on that later).

The Pros and Cons of Painting as a Renter

5 Smart Tips for Renters Who Want to Paint

1. Stick to Neutral, Light-Reflecting Colours

If you want the easiest path to landlord approval, choose colours that are still neutral but more interesting than magnolia. Think:

• Warm whites (e.g., Dulux Timeless, Little Greene Rolling Fog)
• Soft greiges (grey-beige – very on-trend and landlord-friendly)
• Pale greens or blues (if you ask permission first)

The more extreme the colour, the harder it will be to paint over when you leave – and the more likely your landlord is to say no.

2. Do One Feature Wall, Not the Whole Room

A single accent wall adds personality without overwhelming the space. It's also much easier to repaint when you move out. Choose the wall behind your bed or the one with the sofa – it creates a focal point and makes the room feel designed.

3. Use High-Quality Paint and Proper Prep

Cheap paint looks cheap. It streaks, fades, and doesn't cover well. Invest in decent paint from brands like Dulux, Farrow & Ball, or Little Greene. And prep properly – fill holes, sand rough patches, and use painter's tape on edges. A professional finish is less likely to cause complaints when you leave.

If you're not confident with a roller, you could even hire a professional painter for the feature wall. It's not as expensive as you might think, and the result will be flawless.

4. Keep the Original Paint Colour Handy

Before you start, find out the original paint colour. If it's a standard shade (like Dulux Magnolia), note down the name and code. This will make it much easier to repaint when you move out. Better yet, keep a small pot of the original colour for touch-ups later.

5. Consider Temporary, Deposit-Safe Alternatives

If you really can't paint, or you don't want the hassle of repainting later, there are brilliant alternatives:

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper – Comes off cleanly (test a small area first). Perfect for feature walls.
• Removable wall decals or murals – Great for rentals, no damage.
• Fabric wall hangings or tapestries – Instant colour, zero commitment.
• Command strips for art – Hang a gallery wall without the holes.

What About When You Move Out?

This is the part most renters forget. If you painted with permission, your tenancy agreement might say you need to return the walls to their original colour. That means repainting everything before you leave.

Here's the reality: repainting an entire room properly takes time, money, and skill. If you rush it, you'll end up with patchy walls and a angry landlord. That's why many tenants in Lambeth, Southwark and Croydon choose to hire professionals for the move-out paint job. It's an upfront cost, but it guarantees you won't lose your deposit over dodgy DIY.

Alternatively, if you painted a neutral colour and did a good job, some landlords might be happy to keep it – especially if it's in good condition and suits the property. Always ask before assuming you need to repaint.

What Landlords Actually Think

We work with landlords and letting agents across South London every day. Here's what they tell us:

• They appreciate honesty. If you ask permission, you're already ahead of the tenant who just does it.
• Quality matters. A professional-looking paint job is rarely complained about. Patchy, streaky walls are.
• They notice the details. Paint on light switches, skirting boards, or windows? That's an automatic deduction.

One letting agent in Clapham told us: "If a tenant paints a room nicely – clean lines, good finish, neutral colour – we usually don't mind. It's when they've done a messy job or chosen neon pink that we have issues."

---

So, can renters paint walls? Yes – if you're smart about it. Ask permission, choose wisely, prep properly, and plan for the end. Your rental can feel like home without costing you your deposit.

And if you're in South London and need help with painting (whether now or at move-out), we're here. Professional finish, fixed prices, and a tidy site – every time.