Is a landlord obligated to do such things as paint interiors and other easy fixes every few years?

In general, a landlord is required to provide a safe and habitable living environment for their tenants. This includes making necessary repairs to keep the property in a reasonable condition. However, there is no specific legal requirement for a landlord to paint the interiors or make other cosmetic improvements to the property. Lease agreements may include provisions for the landlord to make certain repairs or improvements to the property, but these will vary depending on the specific agreement. Tenants may also request repairs or improvements from the landlord, but the landlord is not obligated to comply with all requests unless they are necessary to maintain the habitability of the property. ***contact info*** Aziz Qwasme’ (281)818-1931 Zazahtx@gmail.com IG: zaza_living Zaza living llc

The specific obligations of a landlord regarding painting and other repairs will depend on the terms of the lease agreement and applicable laws. In general, a landlord is responsible for maintaining the rental property in a safe and habitable condition, and this may include making repairs and performing regular maintenance as needed. The specific repairs and maintenance tasks that a landlord is responsible for will depend on the condition of the rental property and the lease terms. In some cases, a landlord may be required to paint the interior of the rental property every few years or as needed to maintain a safe and healthy living environment for tenants. Other everyday maintenance tasks that a landlord may be responsible for include fixing leaky faucets, repairing damaged appliances, and replacing broken windows. If the rental property is not being maintained to a satisfactory standard, tenants may have legal remedies, such as the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease agreement. It is always a good idea for landlords to stay informed about their legal obligations and to perform necessary repairs and maintenance promptly to avoid potential legal issues.

Hi Bitsy!

Sadly, your landlord is NOT obligated to paint interiors or change flooring to keep it looking nice for you. A good landlord will do such things, but if yours is stingy, as you mentioned, they probably will not. It's a shame, because it sounds like you've been a good tenant. Landlords ARE required to make sure everything is in working order and in good condition to avoid safety hazards. Your best bet is to nicely ask the landlord to repaint the interior and replace the damaged flooring, making the case for yourself that you've lived there for 5 years, you have been a good tenant, and you are likely to stay for many more years IF the condition of the property is updated.

As someone mentioned earlier, the deposit has no bearing on these repairs and should be returned to you in full when you vacate the unit, as long as you have done no damage to the property.

Hope this helps!

Most good landlords will paint and keep their properties in great shape. Most times if the landlords have a great tenant that pays on time and never damage the property. They will keep the property looking great for the rental to keep renewing the lease.

Thanks
Anthony Taylor Realty

The $1100 deposit is not for improvements, and you should ask for it back when you move out.

Just as already said, as long as interior paint meets all conditions for habitability, they do not have to paint. General rule of thumb, if it works and not broken, the landlord does not have to fix it. One can probably argue the condition of the interior paint, however, that should have been discussed prior to moving into the space. It should have been negotiated in the lease. If not, you may not get far with your landlord on this issue.

I own and manage rentals myself. If it does not affect the 'health and safety' of an ordinary tenant, the landlord is not obligated to do cosmetic changes like painting.
Having said that, if you are a good tenant, and you are asking nicelly (like at renewal time: 'I would love to renew but this paint is really bothering me, would you mind updating it?), a smart landlord will do such updates in my experience.

Hi Bitsy,

When you moved in, your realtor should have advised to have the landlord include in the lease to paint and replace flooring (if this was a concern and condition of you moving in to the property). There is definitely a place to include this on both the application and in the lease agreement! Of course a landlord does not have to agree to doing anything cosmetic to the property, just as one does not have to agree to lease a place that is not in a fit condition for you live (and instead keep looking for a better maintained property, or one in which the landlord would have been willing to do these things).

The landlord is obligated to correct any health and/or safety issues, but not anything cosmetic. The landlord also isn't able to use your deposit money to make any improvements as this money is due back to you in full at the end of your lease term (less any damages outside of normal wear and tear).

If you are not interested in moving, but would like the home to be painted and flooring replaced, you could reach out to the landlord to see if he/she would mind allowing you to invest some money into the place in improvements. The landlord has to agree to any improvements (even those literally improving the property) and doesn't have to prorate rent, although this is something you could try and negotiate!

If you are unhappy and not interested in trying to work something out with the landlord, definitely see about not renewing your lease and finding something better!

Hope this helps.

Darby Grimmett / KW / darby@darbygrimmett.com / 936-827-9217

I have attached a link to the property code relating to landlords and tenants. Subsection B Sec 92.052 states that a landlord is bound to make repairs that "materially affects the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant". Unfortunately aesthetics would not be considered to affect your health or safety. You can read over the link below in case I missed something. Perhaps an agent who deals more directly with property management than I do will be able to share more insight.