Every day a rental unit sits vacant costs a Toronto landlord money. Painting is one of the fastest ways to turn a unit around and attract quality tenants — but it has to be planned and executed efficiently. This guide covers what rental unit painting costs, what products hold up best to tenant use, and a turnover checklist to keep the process moving.
What rental unit painting costs in Toronto
| Unit type | Typical cost (walls, ceilings, trim) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor / studio | $800 – $1,400 |
| 1-bedroom | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| 2-bedroom | $1,800 – $3,000 |
| 3-bedroom house or condo | $2,500 – $4,500 |
These figures assume standard condition — minor scuffs and nail holes, no smoke damage, no significant drywall repairs. Units with heavy damage or feature walls in dark colours will cost more due to additional prep and primer requirements.
What paint holds up in a rental
The worst decision a landlord can make is using cheap flat paint to save money. Flat paint marks instantly, cannot be wiped clean, and will look shabby within months of a new tenancy. Spend more on paint quality and the unit will need repainting less frequently:
- Finish: Eggshell or satin throughout. Matte only in ceilings. Semi-gloss on trim, doors, and in bathrooms.
- Brand: Benjamin Moore Regal Select or Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint. Both are scrubbable and hold up to years of moderate use.
- Colour: A warm neutral — greige or warm white — photographs well, appeals to the widest range of tenants, and is easy to touch up between tenancies.
The landlord turnover checklist
Use this checklist to keep a turnover efficient and avoid common delays:
- Document the move-out condition — photos and written notes before anything is cleaned or repaired
- Assess drywall repairs needed — nail holes, large damage, door handle dents; these need to be done before painting
- Address moisture issues first — a bathroom exhaust fan that doesn't work, a slow kitchen leak; painting over active moisture issues is money wasted
- Book the painter as soon as the unit is empty — even a one-day gap between vacancy and painting start costs you a day of rent
- Plan for 1–3 days of drying time — walls painted with quality eggshell are touchable in 2 hours but should be left 24–48 hours before furniture is moved in
- Update listing photos immediately after painting — a freshly painted unit photographs dramatically better and rents faster
Working with us on multiple properties
If you own multiple Toronto rental properties, we can establish a working relationship that makes each turnover faster. We'll maintain records of your standard colour, know your buildings and access requirements, and schedule efficiently between your properties.
Our rental turnover painting service is designed specifically for landlords. Request a quote through our online quote form and include the unit address and approximate square footage — we'll turn around an estimate within 24 hours.