All
Members
Companies
Blog
Forums
Podcast
Webinars
    User Log in  /  Sign up
  • Start here
  • Education
    Forums

    Learn from and contribute to 658K+ real estate discussions

    BiggerPockets Podcast

    Listen to weekly interviews with investors & entrepreneurs

    BiggerPockets Blog

    Delve into 8,800+ articles by experienced investors

    Member Blogs

    Read original articles by BiggerPockets members

    Guides

    Master the ins and outs of fundamental real estate topics

    The Money Show

    Listen to weekly interviews that will help get your financial house in order

    Webinars

    Sign up for this week's free webinars hosted by experienced investors or view previously-held webinar recordings in the Archives

    Videos

    Browse our library of real estate related video content

    Free Course

    Experience The Financial Independence Blueprint video series - a free four-part video series

    Topics
    Property Management Property Types Finance Strategy Finding Deals Business Operations
  • Network
    Members

    Search over 1,270,000 members across BiggerPockets

    Companies

    Explore over 31,000 real estate-related companies

    Real Estate Agents

    Find an investor-friendly agent near you

    Hard Money Lenders

    Pinpoint lenders near you with our nationwide database

    Events

    Find upcoming real estate events and meetups near you

    Jobs

    Browse real estate job opportunities in your area

  • Tools

    Calculators

    • Fix and Flip
    • Rental Property
    • BRRRR
    • Rehab Estimator
    • Wholesaling
    • Mortgage Payment
    • 70% Rule
    • Airbnb Calculator

    Services

    Find a Contractor Get a Mortgage Loan Tenant Screening External Link

    Additional Tools

    FilePlace

    Download presentations, spreadsheets, contracts & more

    REI Resources

    Dig into thousands of curated real estate tools & resources

    Calculators
  • Marketplace
    Properties For Sale

    Buy and sell real estate deals or seek out partners, financing, etc.

    Find Foreclosures External Link

    Search this comprehensive database of nationwide foreclosures

    Ads, Jobs, and Other

    Advertise your real estate business, deals, financing & more

  • Bookstore

    Featured Book

    Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing book cover

    Recession-Proof Real Estate Investing

    This easy-to-follow guide will show you how to make money during all of the market’s twists and turns! Accomplished investor J Scott dives into the theory of economic cycles and the real-world strategies for harnessing them to your advantage.

    Get the book now

    Real Estate Books

    • Flipping and Estimating Bundle
    • How to Invest in Real Estate
    • How to Sell Your Home
    • See All Books
    Real Estate Books

    Shop books covering real estate investing and personal finance.

    Lease Agreement Package New

    Don't spend $1,000 on a lawyer!

    Real Estate Forms

    Lease Agreement Package New

    Don't spend $1,000 on a lawyer!

  • Plans
Log In Sign up
User
Quick search links
Podcast Hard Money Lenders Books Washington
ForumsArrowLandlord Forums & Rental Property QuestionsArrowWall Colors for Rental Units
  • Newest Posts Arrow Down Light
    • Newest Posts
    • Unanswered Discussions
  • Trending Arrow Down Light
    • Top Discussions
    • Trending Discussions
  • Landlord & Tenant Arrow Down Light
    • Local Real Estate Forums

      Real Estate Forums near you

      • New York City Real Estate Forum 1.3K Posts 191 Discussions
      • Norfolk Real Estate Forum 350 Posts 35 Discussions
      • Baltimore Real Estate Forum 1.8K Posts 223 Discussions
      • Norwalk Real Estate Forum 7 Posts -1 Discussions

      View all Local Real Estate forums

    • General Info
      • BiggerPockets Exclusive PRO Area 16K Posts 3.0K Discussions
      • Real Estate Not-So-Successful Stories 523 Posts 41 Discussions
      • New Member Introductions 488K Posts 56K Discussions
      • BiggerPockets Summer Reading List 92 Posts 14 Discussions
      • Real Estate Quizzes 696 Posts 21 Discussions
      • BiggerPockets Money Podcast 675 Posts 50 Discussions
      • FAQ Forum 132 Posts 9 Discussions
      • BiggerPockets Webinar Discussion Forum 459 Posts 15 Discussions
      • Questions About BiggerPockets and Official Site Announcements 42K Posts 4.1K Discussions
      • Real Estate Success Stories 77K Posts 3.7K Discussions
    • General Real Estate
      • Investor Deal Diaries 17K Posts 864 Discussions
      • Completed Deal Diaries 5.6K Posts 1.9K Discussions
      • Renters Discussion 44K Posts 5.1K Discussions
      • Military Investing 5.4K Posts 530 Discussions
      • Buying & Selling Real Estate Discussion 423K Posts 58K Discussions
      • Construction & Remodeling Diaries 6.1K Posts 1.0K Discussions
      • Do it Yourself 32K Posts 3.5K Discussions
      • Get Foreclosure Help - Stop Foreclosure Forum 6.6K Posts 910 Discussions
      • Home Owner Association (HOA) Issues & Problems Forum 6.2K Posts 910 Discussions
    • Reviews & Feedback
      • Ask About A Real Estate Company 24K Posts 2.7K Discussions
      • Real Estate Deal Analysis and Advice 131K Posts 18K Discussions
      • Real Estate Guru, Book & Course Reviews and Discussions 28K Posts 2.9K Discussions
    • Investor Basics
      • General Real Estate Investing 144K Posts 19K Discussions
      • Real Estate Investor Marketing Help & Advice 46K Posts 6.5K Discussions
      • Starting Out 290K Posts 41K Discussions
      • Investor Psychology 21K Posts 1.6K Discussions
    • Landlord & Tenant Forums
      • Landlord Forums & Rental Property Questions 358K Posts 39K Discussions
      • Mobile Homes & Mobile Home Park Investing 19K Posts 2.3K Discussions
    • Foreclosures
      • General Foreclosure & Pre-Foreclosure Forums 33K Posts 5.2K Discussions
      • REOs 17K Posts 2.2K Discussions
      • Short Sales Questions 17K Posts 2.1K Discussions
      • HUD, VA, and Tax Sales 10K Posts 1.5K Discussions
    • Real Estate Strategies
      • Real Estate Development & New Home Construction 19K Posts 2.6K Discussions
      • Rehabbing and House Flipping 110K Posts 13K Discussions
      • Rent to Own a.k.a. Lease Purchase, Lease Options 15K Posts 2.3K Discussions
      • Tax Liens, Notes, Paper, & Cash Flows Discussion 34K Posts 3.9K Discussions
      • Short-Term and Vacation Rental Discussion 22K Posts 2.0K Discussions
      • Real Estate Wholesaling Questions & Answers 137K Posts 18K Discussions
      • Innovative Strategies 27K Posts 3.4K Discussions
      • 1031 Exchanges 8.7K Posts 1.4K Discussions
    • Commercial Real Estate
      • Commercial Real Estate Investing Forum 36K Posts 4.8K Discussions
      • Multi-Family and Apartment Investing Forums 96K Posts 10K Discussions
    • Business Basics
      • Goals, Business Plans & Entities 25K Posts 3.5K Discussions
    • Real Estate Technology and the Internet
      • Real Estate Technology, Social Media & Blogging 16K Posts 2.3K Discussions
    • Loans, Mortgages, Credit Lines
      • Creative Real Estate Financing Forum 50K Posts 7.5K Discussions
      • Private Lending & Conventional Mortgage Advice 105K Posts 14K Discussions
      • Real Estate Crowdfunding Forums 5.6K Posts 384 Discussions
    • Financial, Tax, and Legal
      • Property Insurance Questions & Discussions 11K Posts 1.8K Discussions
      • Tax, Legal Issues, Contracts, Self-Directed IRA 100K Posts 15K Discussions
      • Personal Finance Forum 18K Posts 2.0K Discussions
    • Real Estate Professionals
      • Bankers, Lenders, and Mortgage Brokers 12K Posts 1.9K Discussions
      • Contractors 18K Posts 3.7K Discussions
      • Real Estate Agent Forums 47K Posts 7.0K Discussions
    • Real Estate Marketplace
      • Marketplace 227K Posts 88K Discussions
      • Real Estate Events and Happenings 57K Posts 12K Discussions
    • Off Topic
      • BiggerPockets Real Estate Investing Summit 2.0K Posts 107 Discussions
      • Housing News & Real Estate Market Discussions 15K Posts 1.8K Discussions
      • Off-Topic 43K Posts 5.3K Discussions
Start a Discussion

Wall Colors for Rental Units

45 Replies

  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on LinkedIn
Rotate Log in or sign up to reply
  • 1
  • 2
Alex R.
  • 161 posts
  • 74 votes

Alex R.
Investor from Howell, Michigan

posted about 1 month ago

Hi everyone. We are in the middle of remodeling our 2 bedroom units within an apartment building. Currently the wall colors in every unit is WHITE in satin and looks if it hasn't been painted since the 70's so lots of scuff here and there and overall just looks like it needs to be refreshed so we're looking to repaint the units.

My question has to do with wall colors. I know why white is used most times - its easy, simple and mudding compound doesn't stand out however, also looks simple and without depth in pictures and just basic. We are trying to attract a higher end long term Tenant and so regarding the walls would like to paint a color other than white, we're thinking beige's, tans and grays along those lines. Our thought is that 1) it looks much better in listings and; 2) makes it seem closer to a home which will hopefully translate in longer stays and; 3) updates the space in order to stand out among the immediate competition. 

So in painting does anyone have any thoughts in painting the entire unit (excluding doors, trim and ceiling which will remain white) ONE color or would TWO colors be best and make a difference in 'rentability' for instance the living room, kitchen, hallway and bathroom all one color and the bedrooms another color. We'll ofcourse use the same color layout for all other units and ensure it is a sheen which is easy to maintain and clean. Does anyone have thoughts on this or even experience in the effects of paint colors and apartment unit rentability? 

Alex

Laura Kayes
  • 70 posts
  • 61 votes

Laura Kayes
Property Manager from San Antonio, TX

replied about 1 month ago

Hi @Alex R.

Neutral colors for rentals! Beige is a good way to go. I'd stay clear of anything other than one neutral color. :) 

Alan Pederson
  • 179 posts
  • 291 votes

Alan Pederson
Investor from Kennedale, Texas

replied about 1 month ago

I paint everything with Swiss coffee white in either an eggshell or satin finish. White goes with every color furniture your tenant might have so I would stick with it. You could always tell your new tenant that you would be willing to paint an accent wall a different color of their choice.

Kristi Gray
  • 12 posts
  • 10 votes

Kristi Gray
Rental Property Investor from Milford, DE

replied about 1 month ago

We generally use 2-3 colors in each of our SFH's, but we use the same three colors in each different rental unit we own. That way when and tenant moves out I always have a can to touch up & know exactly which color it is. For example I always use a beige color (cream in my coffee) , a very light grey (azure snow) , and sometimes a very pale blue in laundry rooms/mud rooms etc.

Gives a more “homey” feeling instead of depressing white everywhere! Yet, it’s easy to maintain and easy to match colors. Plus, if its already painted a neutral color we have found tenants much less likely to take it upon themselves to break the rules in the lease and do their own painting. 

Michael Noto
  • 3.5K posts
  • 1.7K votes

Michael Noto
Real Estate Agent from Southington, CT

replied about 1 month ago

@Alex R. We use the same paint scheme for all of our apartments and most of our flips that we do here in Connecticut. Sherwin Williams Navajo White on the walls, white trim paint, and white ceiling paint. If we are doing a higher end flip we may change up the colors, but we use this scheme 95% of the time.

The picture below is an example of how this paint color looks.

Alex R.
  • 161 posts
  • 74 votes

Alex R.
Investor from Howell, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

@Alan Pederson you know that is a great idea to allow them to paint an accent. I don't know if I like it for our 2 bedroom units but, I think I will definitely use that for our SFH's if the issue comes up, thank you.

@Kristi Gray I agree that a painted unit feels more homey and hopefully translates into a happier long term Tenant. Also, thank you for bringing up the issue that they'll be less likely to take it upon themselves to pain if it's already painting, we use so much of that same thought when are preparing a unit for lease, it's one of the reasons we ensure that we put up blinds on every window or provide a shower curtain liner with every turnover, some may scoff at the un-needed work but, it 1) ensures it is done correctly; 2) it saves the property condition and on property wear and tear; 3) sets level of expectation bar a little bit higher. Also, you're color choices are really great, I'm going to add them to my list. We do the same in our SFH's 2-3 colors; What are you thoughts of 2 different colors in units do you think it'll up it a bit or just minimal and un-needed? Our building is B-/C+ in a C+ neighborhood.

@Michael Noto that looks really good and appeases to most. I really like the color choice. 

Jim S.
  • 209 posts
  • 116 votes

Jim S.
from Sterman, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

I do white in the kitchen and bath. It really brightens up the room. Tan everywhere else. Everything is semi-gloss. I always have some left over so touch ups are a perfect match.

Dennis M.
  • 3.0K posts
  • 3.6K votes

Dennis M.
Rental Property Investor from Erie, pa

replied about 1 month ago

Agreeable gray with white trim to make it pop . Looks super classy and modern

Keith Jourdan
  • 272 posts
  • 306 votes

Keith Jourdan
from Detroit, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

Moth Grey with white trim

Alex R.
  • 161 posts
  • 74 votes

Alex R.
Investor from Howell, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

@Laura Kayes , @Jim S. , @Dennis M. , @Keith Jourdan do you think the it being painted vs. not painted, 2 color vs. other impacts the 'rentability' and impacts Tenant retention? 

Alex

Jim S.
  • 209 posts
  • 116 votes

Jim S.
from Sterman, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

Freshly painted looks nice. I hear people say this looks nice when I show it. There are a lot of dumpy slum lords around so renters like my places. I think multiple colors looks nicer but it's time consuming painting trim and you end up with more left over paint colors. Other LL mention freshly painted and any new updates as I do to.  Most people don't want to down grade when they move. You have to consider your competition.

Brian Ploszay
  • 1.1K posts
  • 733 votes

Brian Ploszay
Investor from Chicago, ILLINOIS

replied about 1 month ago

I use one color for all of my properties.  It is a linen white.  I used to use navaho white.  Grey is trendy, but not for me.

I used eggshell paint for the walls.  I use pure white semi-gloss for the trim.  I use flat white for the ceilings, but I do not paint the ceilings for every turnover.  

I use a variety of other types of paints for special projects.  For example, a metal door, I will use a semi-gloss oil based paint.

Karl B.
  • 424 posts
  • 348 votes

Karl B.
Rental Property Investor from Los Angeles, CA

replied about 1 month ago

Check out this thread. I took one poster's advice and the colors turned out well: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/393789-rental-units---best-sheen-and-color-of-paint

Alex R.
  • 161 posts
  • 74 votes

Alex R.
Investor from Howell, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

@Jim S. I just noticed you're from Michigan, I am to. I agree with your take, my though in painting colors is that - I'm going to paint anyway so why not paint it a neutral that appeals to most and at the same time sets me apart from the competition. I'm all about long term Tenants and if I can turnover a space which is clean, updated and functional that sets us apart and conveys that we are not slumlords but, actually care about the quality we're turning over and providing to them, hopefully it will translate into a better quality and happier Tenant which will take better care of the units and stay a bit longer because it feels like home. I want Tenants to move because they're relocating due to family/friends/job or because their situation has allowed them to no longer rent or other personal reasons, I don't want Tenants to move because of the condition of their units. I want to convey that we may not provide the very best top of the line out there but, what we do provide is clean, updated, functional and affordable. 

You bring up a good point in regarding the competition, I agree there as well, paint is such a mundane thing but, its just a piece of the little and affordable things we're doing that hopefully will set us apart and allow us to secure the investment through Tenant retention. 

Jeff G.
  • 43 posts
  • 18 votes

Jeff G.
New to Real Estate from Texas

replied about 1 month ago

Here's the two most common themes I see in new homes:





Stained Cabinets: 
Sherwin Williams Paints
Walls: Kilim Beige SW 6106 (Flat) 
Trim: SW 6105 Divine White (Satin)






Painted Cabinets:
Sherwin Williams Paints 
Walls: Repose Gray SW 7015 (Flat) 
Trim & Cabinets: Snowbound SW7004 (Satin)







Painted Cabinets:
Walls: Kilim Beige SW 6106 (Flat) 
Trim & Cabinets: Snowbound SW7004 (Satin)

Mark Fries
  • 552 posts
  • 865 votes

Mark Fries
Rental Property Investor from Jacksonville, FL

replied about 1 month ago
I paint everything semigloss white...walls, ceilings, trim...anything in the path of my sprayer...lol Makes for super quick and cheap turnovers
Wilburt King
  • 14 posts
  • 6 votes

Wilburt King
Investor from Detroit, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

Walls-  Beige satin

Ceilngs - white ceiling paint

Trim - White semi-Gloss

Paul Choi
  • 254 posts
  • 422 votes

Paul Choi
Rental Property Investor from Pleasanton, CA

replied about 1 month ago

For our MF properties, we like owl grey for the walls, laminate flooring, white ceilings and trim.  Seems to be very popular among tenants. Beige and brown tones work as well to give that warmer feeling.  Unit photos of 2 different properties below.

If the exterior of the building is stucco, browns seems to go well and if it has wood siding on the exterior, we tend to go cooler greys.  It definitely differentiates us from the competition.

Sam Shueh
  • 3.3K posts
  • 1.3K votes

Sam Shueh
Real Estate Agent from Cupertino, California

replied about 1 month ago

Gloss is referable as it is wipeable. 

Updated about 1 month ago

correction: glossy

William W.
  • 88 posts
  • 41 votes

William W.
from south Alabama

replied about 1 month ago

I normally use the Behr ‘Almond Milk’ color, but I have it mixed in Glidden Speedwall which is cheaper.

Alex R.
  • 161 posts
  • 74 votes

Alex R.
Investor from Howell, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

@Paul Choi I like it. Paul, I like the staged photos. I'm just coming out of stabilizing a building we just acquired months ago... we now have the majority of the building with our own vetted Tenants, so it's time for a minor reno. So far we have just been fixings things and ensuring everything is functional, unbroken and safe but, we haven't started any remodel yet, we have just been painting for the units that need it (whose walls look all scuffed up and what not) as it can be done reasonably fast and immediately transforms the place and makes it look clean. When we start the reno, laminate flooring in the kitchen, living room, hallway and bathroom, although we're thinking about leaving carpet in the bedrooms... haven't quite decided yet.  Some units will need updated vanities, mirror, lights and low flow toilets. Once these are done I would like to take staged photos to complete our marketing package. 

I like your two colors, do you paint a unit all one color? .... I'm definitely on board with the Tan's and Grey's especially since we just painted 2 units with Behr Classic Taupe 290E-3 in eggshell. I think I may just play with two colors; one in Tan (the one we have already used) and another in the Grey family.... and I think I might paint a few in just Tan, a few in just Grey and then maybe a few with both (one color for the Bedrooms and another for the living, bath, hallway and kitchen) and then see if I notice a difference in showings and feedback from Tenants. 

What sheen do you typically use in your units? Also how is your experience with Laminate and Tenant wear and tear on it.... do you have a preferred Laminate flooring you use?

Drew Brown
  • 54 posts
  • 11 votes

Drew Brown
Property Manager from Lansing, MI

replied about 1 month ago

Get away from white, been assisting with leasing and property turns for almost 3 years, and the first thing tenants notice about our properties is the paint colors. They tell us that they make the property look like home and not like a lab experiment. The colors are always neutrals nothing over the top or out there. We typically update our colors every couple of years to stay with the market, but put colors in the walls that the current houses on the market have in them.

Alex R.
  • 161 posts
  • 74 votes

Alex R.
Investor from Howell, Michigan

replied about 1 month ago

@Drew Brown that's great advice. Drew a bit off topic but, if you had to narrow it down to the ONE amenity which Tenant's love or look for, in your experience what would you say it would be?

Drew Brown
  • 54 posts
  • 11 votes

Drew Brown
Property Manager from Lansing, MI

replied about 1 month ago

@Alex R. the amenities change depending on the class of tenant you are selling to. The tenants like the higher end look and possibly the feel. We have accomplished this in a couple of different ways. Putting in vinyl flooring that looks like wood, adding chalk board feature walls where they make sense, paint walls a color. The biggest thing at the end of the days is having a crisp clean property to present to prospective tenants. You could have slight out of date items and colors, but if everything is crisp, clean and working this will truly make a difference. 

*The best amenities that a single family rental can have is in unit hookup for washer and dryers!

Let me know if you ever have any questions. I invest in the greater Lansing area, which looks to possibly be the same area your interested in, would love to help in anyway I can.

Thank you,

Drew

Chad Gaddie
  • 5 posts
  • 5 votes

Chad Gaddie
Investor from Saint Joseph, MO

replied about 1 month ago

@Alex R. Sherwin Williams ‘sedate gray’ with white trim. The color somehow does a great job of looking different in various lights.

  • 1
  • 2

Top Contributors

Thomas S.
Thomas S.
8.76
Score
Nathan G.
Nathan G.
Cody, WY
8.55
Score
Dennis M.
Dennis M.
Erie, pa
5.89
Score
James Wise
James Wise
Cleveland, OH
2.91
Score
Joe Splitrock
Joe Splitrock
Sioux Falls, SD
2.44
Score

Trending Discussions

  • Should I report this agent to the Board of Realtors or?
    114 Replies
  • California to make "Solar "mandatory for new Homes!!!!!!
    71 Replies
  • How many of you have bought a note this year ?
    29 Replies
  • Does Number of Days on MLS affect your buying decisions?
    84 Replies
  • Should we wait or go for it?
    40 Replies
Close Thin

Create Lasting Wealth Through Real Estate

Join the millions of people achieving financial freedom through the power of real estate investing

Start here

Already have an account? Click here to log in

Log in Sign up

Log in

Forgot password?

If you signed up for BiggerPockets via Facebook, you can log in with just one click!

Log in with Facebook

Let's get started

We just need a few details to get you set up and ready to go!

Use your real name

Use at least 8 characters. Using a phrase of random words (like: paper Dog team blue) is secure and easy to remember.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.

Why create an account?

Receive a free digital download of The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Real Estate Investing.

Connect with 1,000,000+ real estate investors!

Find local real estate meetups and events in your area.

Start analyzing real estate properties, we do the math for you.

It's free!

Explore

  • Membership
  • Community
  • Education
  • Marketplace
  • Tools
  • Perks
  • iOS App
  • Android App

Company

  • About Us
  • Press
  • Advertising
  • Careers
  • Stats
  • Contact Us

Important

  • Terms of Use
  • Rules
  • Privacy
  • FAQ

Social

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google+
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
© 2004-2019 BiggerPockets, LLC. All Rights Reserved.