Wallpaper accent wall in a rental property

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Wallpaper accent wall in a rental property

Caleb Webster
Real Estate Agent · Portland, OR · Member since 2017 · 117 posts · 59 votes

I love wallpaper accent walls and have always wanted to do one in a property but I'm wondering if it will make future rental turnovers more expensive/challenging since we would probably have to replace the wallpaper if there was any blemish or damage. Has anyone done something like this in a rental property? If so, what was your experience? Do you regret it?

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David Avery
Flipper/Rehabber · Phoenix Arizona · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 686 votes
5y

If it is what you like then you should live their.

The rule of thumb is don't do anything that may offend 15% of the tenants.  I personally hate wall paper, my wife likes some wall paper.

It is a mess to remove.  Like your walls can never be smooth with paint because the glue on the wall paper never comes all the way off.  You can paint it ten times and i will still come through the paint.

I highly not to wall paper anything that your not going to live in and like it for 5-10 years!!!

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  • David Avery
    Flipper/Rehabber · Phoenix Arizona · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 686 votes
    5y

    If it is what you like then you should live their.

    The rule of thumb is don't do anything that may offend 15% of the tenants.  I personally hate wall paper, my wife likes some wall paper.

    It is a mess to remove.  Like your walls can never be smooth with paint because the glue on the wall paper never comes all the way off.  You can paint it ten times and i will still come through the paint.

    I highly not to wall paper anything that your not going to live in and like it for 5-10 years!!!

    2Reply
  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    5y

    You can get peel and stick wallpaper that might work, but unless it is neutral I wouldn't do it and even then do it with the understanding that it may not hold up well.  The peel and stick wallpaper is meant be removable.

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  • Michael Plante
    Deland, FL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    For an accent wall We just do a darker grey and some 8” wide white trim on both sides

    Easy, cheap and cheap and easy to fix if a tenant damages it 

    1Reply
  • Michael Plante
    Deland, FL · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y
    2Reply
  • Adam Martin
    Rental Property Investor · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    5y

    The last rental I bought had wallpaper in a couple rooms and it took forever to remove, I would really have to get a great deal to buy a house with a lot of wallpaper as it is tough to remove.  If you like wallpaper go to town on your own house but skip the rental, it is likely to get scratched and need frequent replacement increasing your time and costs.  As others have said many people myself included don't like it and the goal is to cast a wide net, if you feel you absolutely must have an accent use paint.  Personally I buy accessible beige which is a grayish beige by the 5 gallon bucket and go to town in all properties.  

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  • Leslie A.
    Real Estate Investor · Houston, TX · Member since 2010 · 499 posts · 206 votes
    5y

    @Michael Plante. That’s gorgeous

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