3 minute read

Why Patch Painting at the End of a Tenancy Could Cost You

We recently had a case come up at VA that’s worth sharing - not because it was messy or dramatic, but because it’s something we see more often than you’d think:

A tenant tried to be “helpful” by patch painting the walls just before they moved out.

They meant well. But the outcome? Not so great.

Here’s What Happened…

The property had been fully redecorated before they moved in, and they’d only been living there two years. But instead of raising any scuffs or marks with us during checkout, they got a tin of paint and started dabbing over a few bits themselves.

The issue? The colour didn’t match. The finish didn’t blend. And the whole thing ended up looking blotchy and inconsistent.

So what started as a nice gesture actually damaged the walls - meaning we had to deduct from the deposit to put things right. Not ideal for anyone.

A Quick Word on Wear & Tear

At VA, we’re always fair. We know the difference between a tired wall and a damaged one. But patchy paint on freshly decorated walls after only two years doesn’t count as wear and tear - especially when it makes the place look worse.

This is exactly why we always recommend tenants don’t do DIY touch-ups unless you’ve checked with us first. A lot of the time, we can sort small things easily or suggest a better fix that doesn’t impact your deposit.

For Landlords - This Is Why Your Inventory Matters

This whole situation could’ve easily become a dispute if we didn’t have a clear check-in inventory, full photo evidence, and timeline of the décor condition.

Luckily, we did.

Every VA tenancy starts with proper documentation, so there’s no second guessing what’s wear and tear vs. what’s damage.

Final Word: Communication Always Wins

If you’re a tenant reading this - talk to us. We’d much rather you flag something and get advice than try to fix it and accidentally make things worse.

And if you’re a landlord who’s had similar issues at checkout - or just wants to tighten up your process - you know where I am.

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Best wishes,
Venessa Afonja
Director, VA Sales & Lettings