Q: Our landlords are letting us paint, which is fantastic, and, what's more, they're also going to pay for the paint. We'd prefer to use a zero-VOC paint. Our problem? Here in Berkeley, American Pride runs $39 a gallon, while Behr Paint from Home Depot costs a lot less than that. So, how to convince the landlord?
Sent by Jonathan
Editor: Here are our ideas — and we'd love to hear more!
- Present a high/medium/low option, with zero-VOC paint positioned between, say, Ralph Lauren and Behr.
- Make the case for zero-VOC paint on its environmental merits and hope that resonates with the landlords.
- Just run a number past the landlords (i.e., it's going to cost $XX) and keep other information to a minimum.
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Offer to pay the difference.
I agree -- offer to pay the difference. And, invite them over for a "whiff" while you are painting. I bet they'll be surprised!
I just asked my landlord for the money for the paint, however much he thought was fair. He was glad to not have to hire someone to do it for us, so he didn't ask too many questions. I would keep it simple.
Definitely pay the difference. Don't think of all the money you're spending on paint; think of all the money you're SAVING with their contribution.
I found that Lowe's low-VOC paint (Olympic Premium) was reasonable - about 15-20$ a gallon in DC, depending on finish. It looks like it's on sale right now, too. Good luck!
MAB has no-VOC options too and it's often on sale! Definitely offer to pay the difference, if necessary. It's great that your landlord's letting you paint at all, with whatever color and VOC model you choose. :-)