Painting a Rental Unit in Under 6 Hours (1-Bedroom)
The single most cost-effective turnover task: a coat of paint. Done right, a 1-bedroom takes 5.5 hours including prep and clean-up — and adds $50-100/month in achievable rent on most units.
Pick a colour that survives 5 tenancies
Off-white with the slightest warm undertone (Benjamin Moore OC-117, Sherwin-Williams Pure White, Cloverdale Polar Bear). Never tenant-pick a colour. Light walls = brighter listing photos = more applicants.
Prep — the hour that makes the difference
Wash high-touch areas with TSP (or sugar soap). Patch nail holes. Caulk gaps where trim meets wall. Drop cloths down. Tape baseboards (you can skip ceiling tape if you cut in well).
Cut in trim, then roll
Cut in 4-inch bands around every edge first with a 2.5-inch angled brush. Then roll the field with a 9-inch microfibre roller. Two coats — light pressure, overlap by 1/3.
Clean as you go
Wrap your brush in a damp paper towel between coats and seal in a bag — it stays usable. Roller covers can also be wrapped in plastic in the fridge between coats.
Tired of spreadsheets for rent, leases, and tax season?
Central Rentals handles T776 exports, provincial notices, Stripe rent collection, and tenant screening in one place. Free for 30 days.
Start free trialCommon questions
QWhat's the deadline to file rental income to the CRA?
Rental income is reported on the T776 form filed with your personal T1 return. The deadline is April 30 of the year after you earned the income (June 15 if you're self-employed, but any balance owing is still due April 30).
QDo I need to charge GST/HST on rent?
Long-term residential rent is GST/HST-exempt. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are taxable once you exceed the $30,000 small-supplier threshold across all your business activities.
QCan I deduct mortgage payments?
You can deduct the interest portion (and most carrying costs) of your mortgage on a rental property, but NOT the principal repayment. Central Rentals splits this automatically inside your T776 export.