Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New York

Painting in a Rented Apartment - not Stabilized

I have lived in my apartment for 4 years. The lease is

nearly up. 3 years ago I called my landlord to ask if I

could paint the apartment. He said yes, as long as I

paint the walls white before I move out. I have

discovered, however, that a landlord is legally obligated

to paint an apartment every 3 years. Now that I am

moving out, my landlord has told me I must paint the

apartment back to white. He has not, however, painted

the apartment, or offered to paint, in the 4 years that I

have been here. Am I responsible for painting the

apartment? Or should he pay/hire someone to do so?


Asked on 6/04/04, 9:59 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Debra Palazzo Law Offices of Debra Palazzo, LLC

Re: Painting in a Rented Apartment - not Stabilized

You are renting a non-government owned/regulated apartment. There is no such law. Paint the walls white or you may lose your deposit.

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Answered on 6/05/04, 10:59 am
Walter LeVine Walter D. LeVine, Esq.

Re: Painting in a Rented Apartment - not Stabilized

By accepting your landlord's agreement to allow you to change colors you agreed to repaint yourself and the apartment must be restored, or you could be charged for the cost. I suggest you try to negotiate a deal with the landlord.

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Answered on 6/05/04, 1:19 pm


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