Keeping apartments fresh is a big part of attracting and keeping tenants. Walls set the tone for a unit. Scuffed paint or outdated colors make apartments look tired, even if the space is clean. That’s why Chicago apartment repainting is one of the smartest ongoing investments landlords can make.
This guide explains how often landlords should repaint, what it costs in 2025, and how professional painting improves ROI in Chicago’s rental market.
Why Apartment Repainting Matters for Landlords
Repainting isn’t just cosmetic. It directly affects occupancy rates, rent levels, and how fast a unit gets leased again.
Tenant turnover in Chicago’s rental market
Tenant turnover is a fact of life for landlords. Each time a renter moves out, units need repairs, cleaning, and fresh paint. Skipping repainting can extend vacancy periods, as prospective renters often judge apartments by their first impression. Tenant turnover painting cost becomes part of doing business, but it also drives higher returns when units look brand-new.
Wear & tear in high-traffic apartments
Rental units naturally see more wear than owner-occupied homes. Kids, pets, and furniture all leave marks on walls. Landlord painting Chicago professionals often see scuffs, stains, or even minor holes after just one lease cycle. Fresh paint helps restore walls to move-in condition.
Example: A family moves out of a two-bedroom after three years. The walls have fingerprints, chipped trim, and faded paint in the kitchen. A repaint costs $3,000 but allows the landlord to raise rent by $200 a month. The investment pays for itself in just over a year.
Average Repaint Frequency in Chicago Rentals
So how often should landlords repaint? The answer depends on unit type and tenant profile. Repaint frequency Chicago rentals varies, but here are typical timelines:
1-bedroom units (every 2–3 years)
Small apartments turn over more frequently. Painting every 2–3 years keeps them competitive.
Family apartments (every 3–4 years)
Larger apartments tend to have longer lease terms. Families stay longer, but kids and pets create more wear. These usually need painting every 3–4 years.
Luxury rentals (every 2 years for premium look)
High-end rentals demand a polished appearance. Luxury tenants expect units that look flawless. To maintain that standard, repainting every two years is common.
Cost to Repaint Chicago Rentals (2025)
Painting prices depend on size, layout, and prep work. Here are 2025 ranges landlords can expect.
Small 1-bedrooms ($1,500–$2,500)
Painting a small 1-bedroom runs $1,500–$2,500. This usually includes patching minor holes and using durable paints.
2–3 bedroom apartments ($2,500–$4,500)
Larger rentals cost more. Expect $2,500–$4,500 to repaint a typical 2- or 3-bedroom apartment.
Bulk pricing for multi-unit landlords
Owners with multiple units can often negotiate bulk rates. Professional painters offer discounts when handling several apartments in the same building. Over time, this helps reduce tenant turnover painting cost while still keeping units looking sharp.
Tip: If you manage a 20-unit building, scheduling repainting for four or five units at once often results in lower per-unit costs.
How to Reduce Costs Without Cutting Corners
Landlords want to save money but also avoid cheap jobs that drive tenants away. Here are smart ways to balance cost and quality.
Standard neutral colors for faster turnover
Using consistent colors across units saves money. Leftover paint can be reused for quick touch-ups, and neutral tones appeal to most tenants.
Using durable paints that last longer
Durable, washable paints hold up better in rentals. While they cost more upfront, they reduce repaint frequency Chicago rentals require, saving landlords money in the long run.
Touch-ups between full repaints
Not every vacancy requires a full repaint. Sometimes, touching up trim, doors, or accent walls can extend the life of the last full paint job.
Landlord ROI from Professional Painting
Fresh paint is more than a maintenance cost – it’s a value driver.
Higher rental rates for fresh units
Apartments with updated interiors command higher rent. Many landlords recover the painting cost within the first few months of a new lease.
Faster lease-ups with updated interiors
Prospective tenants often make decisions based on appearance. Units that look freshly painted lease faster, reducing vacancy time and increasing cash flow.
Example: A property manager in Lakeview repainted all common hallways and stairwells in a 12-unit building. The total project cost $15,000, but vacancies dropped by 40% the next leasing season because the building looked modern and clean.
Chicago apartment repainting pays off by improving both rental income and occupancy. Landlords who work with pros also gain efficiency – no delays, no patchy results, and no tenant complaints.
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Other Factors Landlords Should Consider
Timing of repainting projects
Plan repainting during the off-season (late fall or winter). Painters often have more availability, and landlords may secure lower rates.
Multi-year budgeting
Landlords who manage multiple properties benefit from scheduling painting projects across several years. This spreads out costs and avoids sudden budget hits.
Professional vs. DIY painting
DIY may look cheaper but often takes longer, disrupts leasing schedules, and results in uneven finishes. Professional crews deliver consistent, market-ready results faster.
Work With the Experts
Landlord painting Chicago services require more than a brush and roller. They need efficient crews, bulk pricing options, and quick turnaround so units aren’t left vacant longer than necessary.
Pro Chicago Painters partners with property managers and landlords across the city. Whether it’s one unit after a move-out or bulk contracts for multi-family buildings, our team delivers consistent, professional results.
Don’t let old paint drive away good tenants. Get a free estimate today for landlord & multi-unit painting from Pro Chicago Painters.
FAQs
- How often should landlords repaint in Chicago?
Most rentals need repainting every 2–4 years depending on size and tenant wear.
- What’s the average cost to repaint a 2-bedroom apartment in 2025?
Expect $2,500–$4,500 for standard repainting.
- Can landlords deduct tenant turnover painting cost?
Yes. Painting for normal wear is a deductible maintenance expense in most cases.
- Is repainting required between every tenant?
Not always, but many landlords choose to repaint between tenants to speed up lease-ups.
- How can repaint frequency Chicago rentals be reduced?
Using durable paints, standard colors, and regular touch-ups helps extend paint life.
- How fast can a professional crew complete a repaint?
Most one-bedroom apartments take 1–2 days. Larger family units may take 3–4 days depending on prep needs.
