Security Deposit Tenant Painted Dark Colors without permission

[Malika]

My tenant is moving out and never received permission to paint the walls in her apartment. The living room was painted red, then beige,then brown. You can see all three colors on walls as well as the ceiling. The master bedroom was painted Navy Blue.

If I repaint the walls myself, can I charge for labor or is it better to hire a professional to deduct the amount from her security?

 

[mightymoose]

Personally I would hire a professional so I would have a receipt for labor and materials if later challenged over it. Besides, the results may be better anyway

However, if your lease agreement was not clear on the matter it might be best to minimize cost and do it yourself.