Boston has a great deal of rental housing and small commercial space, much of it in buildings a century old. Painting these places is about planning as much as painting: access, tenants, business hours and lead rules all shape the job.
Price ranges on this page are national figures published by HomeGuide for 2026. They are not our quotes. Boston labor rates, the age of the building and the amount of prep 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 nationally, so a 2,500 square foot space runs $5,000 to $15,000. HomeGuide gives commercial painter labor at $60 to $100 per hour and lifts or scaffolding at $500 to $1,500 or more per day. It publishes no 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 |
Can painters work nights or weekends so the business stays open?
Many commercial painters do work nights or weekends, and it is a fair thing to ask for. Tell us your opening hours and what cannot be disturbed when you ask for a quote, and ask us what schedule we can offer for your space. Work can also be phased, one area at a time, so part of the business stays in use.
How much does it cost to repaint a rental apartment between tenants?
HomeGuide publishes no figure for a repaint between tenants. Its figures for painting an apartment are $2 to $6 per square foot of floor space.
| Apartment | National range |
|---|---|
| Studio (400 to 600 sq ft) | $800 to $3,600 |
| 1 bedroom (600 to 800 sq ft) | $1,200 to $4,800 |
| 2 bedrooms (800 to 1,200 sq ft) | $1,600 to $7,200 |
| 3 bedrooms (1,200 to 1,500 sq ft and up) | $2,400 to $9,000 |
A turnover repaint in the same color, in an empty unit, sits at the easy end of the work: no furniture, no color change and often one coat on sound walls. We price it after seeing the unit.
How often should a rental be repainted?
How often a rental needs repainting depends on wear, and many landlords repaint or touch up at each change of tenant. A unit with long-term tenants may go several years. We know of no Massachusetts rule that sets a number of years. Peeling or chipping paint is another matter: in a building from before 1978 it can be a lead hazard, and it should be fixed promptly.
Can an apartment be painted while tenants are living there?
Yes, an occupied apartment can be painted, with notice and planning. Tenants need to know the dates, move small items and give access. We work room by room and keep the kitchen and bathroom usable. In a pre-1978 building, any work that disturbs old paint follows lead-safe rules, and extra care is needed where young children live.
How long does it take to paint a 10-unit apartment building or an office?
How long a building takes depends on the crew size and whether the units are empty. As a guide, HomeGuide lists painting time of 4 to 5 hours for a bedroom and 5 to 7 hours for a living room, before prep and drying. An empty apartment is typically a job of a few days. A 10-unit building is done a few units at a time, with halls and stairs scheduled around the people who use them. A small office is often done over a few days or in phases.
Who pays for painting when a tenant moves out?
The landlord normally pays for repainting after normal use when a tenant moves out. Massachusetts security deposit law allows deductions for damage but not for reasonable wear and tear. Faded paint, small nail holes and scuffs from years of living are wear and tear. Large holes or walls painted a dark color without permission may count as damage. This is general information, not legal advice.
Do commercial painters price large jobs differently?
Yes. Large jobs are priced from measured areas and production rates, not by the room. The price per square foot often falls as a job gets bigger, because setup is spread over more area. Repeat work, such as every unit in a building in the same color, is the most efficient to price and to paint.
A free estimate with a written quote is the only way to get a real price for your job. Call or text (617) 553-6484.