For landlords, every week a unit sits empty costs rent. A fresh, clean paint job is one of the cheapest ways to let a unit faster and at a better rent. Done right, it also cuts maintenance costs over the years. Here is how to approach painting rental property in Kenya.
Choose paint for durability, not just price
| Area | Recommended paint | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Living rooms and bedrooms | Washable vinyl matt | Marks wipe off, so units can be touched up instead of repainted |
| Kitchens | Washable silk | Resists grease and cleaning |
| Bathrooms | Anti-mould, moisture-resistant | Prevents the black mould tenants complain about |
| Ceilings | Flat white | Cheap, bright, hides defects |
| Doors, frames, skirting | Satin or gloss enamel | Withstands knocks and cleaning |
| Corridors and stairwells | Scrubbable paint, darker lower band | Heavy traffic areas |
See the best paint for interior walls in Kenya and the best paint for bathrooms and kitchens.
Standardise your colours
- Pick one neutral wall colour for all units, such as off-white, light beige or soft greige.
- Record the brand, product and colour code in your property file.
- Buy in 20-litre buckets and keep a labelled tin per building for touch-ups.
- Avoid strong colours. They limit your market and need extra coats to cover later.
A fast turnaround between tenants
- Inspect on move-out day with photos, and note holes, stains, mould and damage.
- Book painters in advance. Agree a start date for the day after move-out.
- Do repairs first: plumbing, electrical and carpentry.
- Paint top to bottom: ceilings, walls, then doors and frames.
- Deep clean after painting, then take listing photos.
A professional crew typically repaints a 1-bedroom unit in 1–2 days and a 2–3-bedroom unit in 3–5 days.
Repaint or touch up?
- Touch up after short tenancies when the same colour and washable paint were used and the walls are in good condition.
- One coat refresh when walls are marked but sound.
- Full repaint (two coats) after long tenancies, colour changes, smoke damage or extensive repairs.
Rental painting costs
| Unit | Full repaint (inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Bedsitter / studio | KES 25,000 – 45,000 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | KES 38,000 – 68,000 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | KES 55,000 – 100,000 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | KES 85,000 – 150,000 |
Landlords and agents with several units or whole blocks can usually agree better rates and a scheduled maintenance plan. See our full painting cost guide.
Deposits and wear and tear
Normal wear, such as light marks, slight fading and small nail holes, is generally part of the cost of letting. Damage beyond that, such as large holes, crayon, smoke staining or walls painted in unapproved colours, is usually what a deposit covers. Put clear terms in your tenancy agreement and keep dated photos of each unit at move-in and move-out. Take advice on your specific agreement if you’re unsure.
Common areas and exteriors
Tenants judge a building before they see the unit. Fresh paint in stairwells, corridors, gates and the building exterior makes a big difference. For blocks and estates, see our commercial painting service and exterior painting.
BrushMasters works with landlords, agents and management companies across Nairobi, including night and weekend work for occupied buildings. Request a quote for one unit or your whole portfolio.
