Painting a business or a rental is mostly about scheduling. The work has to fit around customers, staff or tenants. This page covers cost, timing and the rental questions owners and tenants ask.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Local labor, paint prices and the condition of your own walls move the number up or down. Last checked October 2026.
How much does it cost to paint an office or commercial space?
Commercial painting costs $2 to $6 per square foot, by the national figures. A 2,500 square foot space is listed at $5,000 to $15,000. HomeGuide does not publish separate figures for an office, a shop or a warehouse.
| Paintable area | National range |
|---|---|
| 1,500 sq ft | $3,000 to $7,200 |
| 2,000 sq ft | $4,000 to $12,000 |
| 3,000 sq ft | $6,000 to $18,000 |
The same source lists exterior commercial work that needs scaffolding at $5 to $10 or more per square foot, and scaffolding or lifts at $500 to $1,500 or more per day.
Can painters work nights or weekends so the business stays open?
Many commercial painters do work nights or weekends so a business can stay open, and it is a fair thing to ask any bidder. We do not publish set hours for it. Tell us your opening hours and when the space is empty, and we will tell you plainly what schedule we can offer for your job.
Other ways to keep a business running are to paint in sections, to do customer areas first and back rooms later, and to use low-odor paint.
How much to repaint a rental apartment between tenants?
There is no published figure for a repaint between tenants. The nearest national figures are for painting an apartment in general: $2 to $6 per square foot, with a one-bedroom apartment of 600 to 800 square feet at $1,200 to $4,800 and a two-bedroom at $1,600 to $7,200.
A turnover repaint is often at the simple end. The unit is empty, the color stays the same and one coat may cover. Smoke, grease, crayon or wall damage change that. Owners with several units usually ask us for a per-unit price after we see one.
How often should a rental be repainted?
How often a rental needs repainting depends on wear, not on a fixed rule. We know of no California law that sets a repaint interval for rentals. Many owners repaint or touch up at each turnover and do a full repaint every few years. Long tenancies, smokers, pets and children shorten the time. A scrubbable paint in one standard color across all units makes touch-ups quick.
Can an apartment be painted while tenants are living there?
Yes. An occupied apartment can be painted with planning. Tenants need notice, furniture has to be moved to the middle of each room and covered, and the work goes room by room so the home stays usable. Low-odor paint and open windows help.
If the building dates from before 1978 and old paint will be scraped or sanded, the federal lead rule applies to rentals, including work done by the owner's own staff.
How long to paint a 10-unit apartment building or an office?
It depends on whether the job is inside, outside or both, and no published figure covers it. As a rough guide, the exterior of a 10-unit building is measured in weeks, not days, once washing, repairs, priming and two coats are counted. Interiors are done unit by unit as they come empty. A small office can often be done over a few days.
How long an office or building takes also depends on crew size and access. We give a written schedule with the quote.
Who pays for painting when a tenant moves out?
In most cases the landlord pays. In California a landlord may deduct from the security deposit to repair damage caused by the tenant, but not for normal wear and tear. Paint that has simply aged, faded or picked up minor scuffs over a tenancy is normal wear. Large holes, unapproved colors, smoke staining or drawings on the wall are damage.
That rule is in Civil Code section 1950.5. This is general information, not legal advice. The California Courts self-help site has a plain guide to security deposits.
Do commercial painters price large jobs differently?
Yes. Large jobs are usually priced by the square foot from plans or measurements, not by the room. The cost per square foot often comes down as the area goes up, because setup, travel and equipment are spread over more work. Access can push it the other way. Height, lifts, night work and working around tenants all add cost.
For a large job, ask for a written scope with areas, coatings, coats and a schedule, so bids can be compared fairly.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (909) 487-2695.