Re-leasing painting is the repaint that gets a commercial tenancy ready for the next tenant. It covers patching, preparation and repainting of walls, ceilings, doors and trims so the space presents well at inspections. Timing matters, because every empty week is a week without rent.
What re-leasing painting covers
It’s more than a fresh coat. A tenant’s fit-out leaves marks that a quick roll-over won’t hide, so the job usually includes:
- Filling and sanding holes left by shelving, signage and fixings
- Washing down marks, scuffs and stains before any paint goes on
- Repainting walls, ceilings, doors, frames and skirtings
- Returning bold feature colours to a neutral scheme
- Touching up entries, reception areas and any exterior elements that are part of the tenancy
The prep is what separates a repaint that looks new from one that looks like a cover-up. Skip it and the old marks show through within weeks.
Make-good versus re-leasing: know which one you’re doing
The two terms get mixed up, and the difference matters. A make-good is the tenant’s obligation at the end of a lease, and it’s set by the lease itself. Painting is often part of it. Re-leasing painting is the landlord’s or property manager’s preparation for the next tenant, and it may go beyond what the lease required.
Read the make-good clause before you brief a painter. It usually sets the standard the space has to reach, and it decides who pays for what. If there’s any doubt, get advice on the lease first and paint second.
Neutral colours and tough finishes
A neutral palette widens the pool of prospective tenants, because nobody has to imagine past someone else’s branding. In high-traffic areas such as corridors and reception, a scuff-resistant finish will hold up between inspections and the next fit-out. If you’re not sure which way to go, our colour consultation service can settle the specification before work starts.
Working to the leasing timeline
Re-leasing jobs run to tight programs. Keys, inspections, cleaners and incoming tenants all need to fit together, so the painting has to be planned around them rather than squeezed in wherever there’s a gap.
That means an agreed start and finish, clear access arrangements and one point of contact. It also means a walk-through at the end, so any touch-ups are done before the agent brings the next prospect through. Our re-leasing painting and real estate painting pages explain how we handle this work.
Check for hidden issues first
Vacant tenancies are the best time to spot problems. Water stains on ceilings, bubbling paint near walls and mould in corners all point to moisture that paint alone won’t fix. Painting over them just hides the problem until it comes back. If you find any, deal with the cause first, and see our page on water damage repair for how we approach it.
What to give your painter
Send this with your quote request and the quote will be far more accurate:
- The make-good clause or the lease requirements that apply
- A floor plan or a list of areas to be painted
- The current colours, or the colours you want to return to
- Access details, including keys and building management rules
- Your handover or inspection deadline
An empty tenancy earns nothing
A fast, tidy repaint gets it back on the market. If you manage a portfolio, our guide to what to ask before signing a commercial painting quote is worth a read, and our piece on painting a commercial building while you keep trading covers occupied buildings. When you’re ready, request a quote or call 1300 733 447.
McAuliffe Painting. Eagle Farm, Brisbane QLD 4009. QBCC Lic 1180874.
