The period between tenants is one of the most useful opportunities for landlords to inspect, repair and improve a rental property. With the previous occupants moved out and the next tenancy yet to begin, there is often a window in which maintenance work can be completed with far less disruption.

Most landlords naturally focus on the interior during this period. Walls may need repainting, carpets may need attention, kitchens and bathrooms may require maintenance, and fixtures can be checked before new tenants arrive. However, the exterior deserves consideration too.

Brickwork can have a substantial impact on the appearance of a rental property. Extensions, repairs and years of weathering can leave different sections of masonry looking noticeably different. Where the bricks remain structurally sound but their colours do not match, brick tinting can be a practical option to investigate.

Specialist companies such as Brick Makeover provide brick tinting services designed to alter the appearance of existing brickwork, helping landlords address mismatched or inconsistent masonry without necessarily replacing sound bricks.

The question is whether the period between tenancies is the right time to do it. For some properties, it can be. For others, there may be little reason to undertake the work at all.

Why the Period Between Tenancies Matters

Carrying out property improvements while tenants are living in the building can be inconvenient.

External work may involve equipment, contractor access, noise and people working around the property. Even when the work is entirely outside, landlords still need to consider the impact on occupants.

Between tenancies, these concerns can be significantly reduced.

A vacant property gives contractors greater freedom to carry out work without worrying about disturbing tenants. It also allows landlords to coordinate several maintenance tasks within the same period.

This makes the void period a useful opportunity to assess the entire property, including the brickwork.

Rather than looking at brick tinting as a standalone project, landlords can consider it alongside their normal changeover maintenance.

What Is Brick Tinting?

Brick tinting is a specialist treatment used to alter the colour of existing brickwork.

The underlying bricks remain in place, but their appearance can be changed or adjusted to create a more consistent finish.

It can be used for situations such as:

• Mismatched extension bricks
• Replacement bricks following repairs
• Different brick colours across elevations
• Weathered or faded-looking areas
• Visually inconsistent sections
• Brickwork that does not complement the rest of the property

The process is different from simply painting a wall. A specialist approach can account for the variation between individual bricks, helping retain the natural appearance of masonry.

For landlords, this can be useful when the problem is cosmetic rather than structural.

Why Landlords May Consider Brick Tinting

Landlords have to make decisions about where maintenance budgets should be allocated.

Not every cosmetic issue needs to be addressed immediately, but some exterior problems can become particularly noticeable.

A property may have perfectly sound brickwork that looks inconsistent because an extension was built years after the original house. Alternatively, replacement bricks from a previous repair may stand out.

Brick tinting can address the appearance without necessarily requiring extensive rebuilding.

This can make it worth considering when the objective is to improve presentation while retaining existing masonry.

The Most Common Reasons for Tinting Rental Property Brickwork

Matching an Extension

Extensions are a frequent source of colour differences.

The original building may have weathered for decades, while the extension contains newer bricks with a brighter or different tone.

Even if the extension was constructed well, the contrast can make the building look visually disconnected.

Tinting can potentially bring the different areas closer together.

Blending Replacement Bricks

Individual bricks sometimes need to be replaced following damage or previous building work.

The replacement may be structurally appropriate but visually different.

Where the surrounding brickwork has aged, a new brick can be surprisingly obvious.

Tinting can help reduce the contrast between the replacement and the existing masonry.

Correcting Weathering Differences

Brickwork does not always weather uniformly.

One elevation may receive more sunlight or rainfall than another. Areas protected by architectural features may also retain a different appearance from exposed sections.

Over time, these differences can become noticeable.

Where the variation is primarily cosmetic, tinting may be an option.

Improving an HMO Exterior

HMOs can contain numerous alterations because the property may have been converted from a traditional family home into accommodation for several occupants.

External changes may include additional entrances, extensions, altered windows or other modifications.

Different generations of brickwork can therefore be visible.

Improving the consistency of the exterior may help create a more cohesive appearance.

Is Between Tenancies the Best Time to Do It?

There are several reasons why the void period can be convenient.

The main advantage is reduced disruption.

A landlord can arrange external work without having to work around tenant routines, access requirements or complaints about noise.

It also creates an opportunity to combine tasks.

For example, a landlord might inspect:

• Brickwork
• Pointing
• Gutters
• Windows
• Doors
• Fascias
• External surfaces
• Paths
• Garden areas

If brick tinting is required, it can potentially be scheduled alongside other external maintenance.

Brick Tinting During an Occupied Tenancy

Brick tinting does not necessarily require the property to be vacant.

However, the practical circumstances can be different.

Contractors may need access around the building, and there may be noise or activity during preparation and application.

For a single-family rental, this may be manageable.

For an HMO, the situation can be more complicated because several tenants may be using the property throughout the day.

This is one reason why landlords may prefer to schedule non-essential external work between tenancies.

A Vacant Property Provides More Flexibility

When nobody is living in the property, contractors have greater flexibility around timing.

This can make it easier to:

1. Inspect the exterior
2. Identify areas requiring attention
3. Arrange a quotation
4. Agree the desired colour
5. Prepare the brickwork
6. Complete the tinting
7. Carry out other external work
8. Inspect the finished result
9. Prepare the property for the next tenant

This does not mean every landlord should automatically tint brickwork during every void period.

The work should still have a clear purpose.

Should Brick Tinting Be Part of Every Changeover?

No.

Brick tinting is not routine rental property maintenance.

It is a specialist cosmetic improvement that is most relevant when there is a specific issue with the appearance of the masonry.

A landlord should not feel that brickwork needs tinting simply because a tenancy has ended.

Instead, ask whether the brickwork has a problem that is noticeable enough to justify the work.

For example, if the property has attractive, consistent brickwork, there may be no reason to change it.

If a large extension looks obviously different from the original building, the situation is different.

Assessing the Brickwork During a Void Period

A simple external inspection can help determine whether tinting is worth considering.

Walk around the property and look at each elevation.

Pay particular attention to:

• Extensions
• Previous repair areas
• Newly replaced bricks
• Different sections of the building
• Areas with obvious colour changes
• Weathered elevations
• Altered entrances
• Areas around previous building work

Look at the property from a distance as well.

Standing directly beside a wall can make individual differences seem less significant. Viewing the whole elevation from the pavement or across the road can reveal whether the variation is actually noticeable.

Take Photographs

Photographs can be useful during the assessment.

Take clear images of the front, sides and rear where accessible.

Look at the photographs later and ask:

• Does one section stand out?
• Does the extension look separate from the original building?
• Are repair bricks obvious?
• Does the brickwork look uneven in colour?
• Would improving the colour make a meaningful visual difference?

This is particularly useful for landlords who manage several properties.

Brick Tinting for HMOs Between Tenancies

The void period can be especially useful for HMO maintenance.

With multiple occupants, coordinating external work can be more complicated during a live tenancy.

When the property is empty, landlords can complete a broader range of maintenance tasks before new occupants arrive.

Brickwork may not be the highest priority, but if the property already needs exterior attention, it can be assessed as part of the overall refurbishment.

This can be particularly relevant where the building has undergone several modifications.

How Brick Tinting Can Improve Presentation

A property does not need to look new to make a good impression.

However, obvious inconsistencies can make a building look less carefully maintained.

Brick tinting can potentially improve:

• Colour consistency
• Kerb appeal
• The appearance of extensions
• The integration of previous repairs
• Online property photographs
• The overall visual presentation

These benefits are primarily cosmetic.

They do not replace structural maintenance or other essential landlord responsibilities.

Brick Tinting and Rental Property Photography

Many rental properties are advertised online using photographs.

Exterior images are often included alongside photographs of bedrooms, kitchens, bathrooms and communal spaces.

If the brickwork contains a highly visible mismatch, it can become one of the most prominent features of the exterior photograph.

This is particularly relevant for HMOs where landlords want to present the property as professionally managed.

If the property is going to be photographed after refurbishment, the void period can provide an opportunity to address obvious exterior issues first.

Does Brick Tinting Increase Rental Value?

Landlords should be cautious about assuming that cosmetic improvements automatically justify a higher rent.

Rental values depend on numerous factors, including property size, location, condition, local demand and the accommodation provided.

Brick tinting is primarily an appearance improvement.

Its value may instead be reflected in the overall presentation and perceived condition of the property.

For landlords, the decision should therefore focus on whether the improvement is worthwhile as part of maintaining and presenting the building rather than assuming it will produce a specific rental increase.

Does Brick Tinting Add Property Value?

The same principle applies to property value.

Brick tinting may improve the appearance of a property, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed way to increase its market value.

The benefit is more likely to come from improving a visible weakness.

For example, if a property has a poorly matched extension that makes the front elevation look unfinished, addressing that problem may make the property more visually appealing.

However, there is no universal monetary return that can be attached to brick tinting.

Brick Tinting vs Replacing the Bricks

Landlords may initially assume that mismatched bricks need to be removed.

That is not necessarily the case.

If the masonry is structurally sound, replacing it purely because the colour is different can involve considerable additional work.

The alternatives can be compared broadly as follows:

Consideration	Brick Tinting	Brick Replacement
Existing sound bricks	Retained	Removed
Main purpose	Colour adjustment	Physical replacement
Scope	Targeted	More extensive
Disruption	Generally lower	Potentially higher
Colour matching	Tint adjusted to existing appearance	New bricks need sourcing
Structural defects	Does not resolve them	Can address damaged masonry
Suitable for cosmetic differences	Yes	May be excessive

If the bricks are damaged or structurally unsuitable, replacement may be necessary.

If the issue is simply colour, tinting may be worth investigating.

What Brick Tinting Cannot Fix

It is important for landlords to understand the limitations.

Brick tinting is not a substitute for:

• Structural repairs
• Rebuilding unstable masonry
• Fixing serious cracking
• Repairing significant water ingress
• Correcting failed building components
• Addressing major deterioration

If there is a genuine building defect, that should be dealt with separately.

Tinting should be considered after establishing that the underlying masonry is suitable for the treatment.

Brick Tinting and Repointing

Pointing and brick colour are separate considerations.

A wall can have attractive brickwork but poor pointing, or it can have good pointing while containing obvious brick colour mismatches.

If the mortar joints are damaged or deteriorating, they should be assessed independently.

A landlord may need to deal with pointing before focusing on the colour of the bricks.

The two types of work can sometimes form part of a broader exterior maintenance programme, but they solve different problems.

How Much Does Brick Tinting Cost?

The cost varies according to the property and the scope of work.

Important factors include:

• Size of the elevation
• Number of bricks involved
• Number of different colours
• Accessibility
• Building height
• Condition of the masonry
• Preparation required
• Complexity of the colour match

A small section of mismatched brickwork will naturally be different from treating several elevations of a large HMO.

For landlords, a property-specific quotation is therefore more useful than relying on a generic price.

Because brick tinting is a specialist service, the quality of the finished result should be considered alongside the initial cost.

Premium Specialist Work vs Cheap Cosmetic Work

Landlords may understandably want to control maintenance costs.

However, brick tinting is one area where the quality of the finished appearance matters.

A poor colour match or inconsistent application can make the original problem more noticeable.

The objective should be a natural-looking result that works with the existing brickwork.

This means that choosing a specialist based purely on the lowest quotation may not produce the most appropriate outcome.

For investment properties, it is generally more useful to consider the long-term appearance of the building and the quality of the work.

What Colour Should Landlords Choose?

The safest approach is generally to choose a colour that works with the property’s existing architecture.

Consider:

• Original brickwork
• Extension brickwork
• Roof colour
• Window frames
• Doors
• Gutters
• Surrounding properties

If the goal is to blend an extension, the colour should be selected to bring the two areas closer together.

If the entire building is being treated, the desired overall appearance can be discussed with the specialist.

Avoid making a colour decision based purely on a small sample or photograph. The existing masonry and surrounding features can affect how the final result appears.

Brick Tinting for Older Rental Properties

Older rental properties can benefit from a more considered approach.

The natural variation in historic brickwork may contribute to the character of the building.

Making every brick identical could therefore look less appropriate than preserving some variation.

Selective tinting can sometimes be used to address the most obvious inconsistencies while leaving the original character intact.

This can be particularly useful for period properties that have been extended or repaired over many years.

Brick Tinting for Modern Rental Properties

Modern rental properties can have different requirements.

Newer brickwork often has a more consistent appearance, meaning mismatched sections can stand out more strongly.

Extensions, replacement bricks and later alterations can create visible differences.

Where the property is relatively modern, a more consistent finish may be appropriate.

Again, the decision should be based on the actual appearance rather than an assumption that all properties require treatment.

Planning and Property Restrictions

Before making changes to the exterior of a rental property, landlords should check whether any restrictions apply.

Most straightforward cosmetic work may not require formal planning permission, but individual circumstances vary.

Listed buildings, conservation areas and properties subject to specific restrictions may require additional consideration.

Landlords should establish the position before arranging work rather than assuming that all brick tinting projects are treated in exactly the same way.

Coordinating Brick Tinting With Other Void Work

The void period can be used to coordinate several maintenance tasks.

For example:

Task	Potential Benefit
Brickwork assessment	Identifies cosmetic and structural issues
Brick tinting	Improves colour consistency
Gutter cleaning	Helps maintain rainwater drainage
Window cleaning	Improves exterior presentation
External repairs	Addresses visible defects
Garden maintenance	Improves kerb appeal
Internal redecoration	Prepares the property for new occupants
Flooring replacement	Refreshes worn areas
Appliance checks	Supports tenancy preparation

The exact tasks will vary from one property to another.

The important point is that the void period can be used strategically rather than treating each maintenance issue separately.

Tenant Considerations

Even though brick tinting is external, landlords should consider how the work affects tenants when the property is occupied.

There may be contractor access requirements, noise or activity around the building.

For a single-family property, this may be relatively straightforward.

For an HMO, several tenants may be affected.

Where the work is non-urgent, carrying it out during a vacancy can avoid many of these practical difficulties.

Should Landlords Wait Until a Tenant Leaves?

Not necessarily.

If the brickwork requires urgent attention, landlords should not delay necessary maintenance simply because a tenancy is ongoing.

The distinction is between essential repairs and optional cosmetic improvements.

Structural problems, dangerous masonry or other genuine defects should be dealt with appropriately when identified.

Brick tinting, by contrast, is generally a cosmetic decision.

This makes the void period a convenient opportunity rather than a requirement.

A Landlord’s Brick Tinting Checklist

Before proceeding, work through the following checklist:

• Inspect the brickwork from all accessible sides
• Identify mismatched bricks
• Check extensions and alterations
• Review previous repairs
• Look for signs of structural damage
• Assess the condition of the pointing
• Decide whether the issue is cosmetic
• Consider whether the whole elevation needs treatment
• Check any property restrictions
• Obtain a specialist assessment
• Discuss colour options
• Consider contractor access
• Schedule the work within the void period
• Inspect the finished appearance before the next tenancy

Questions to Ask a Brick Tinting Specialist

Landlords should have a clear understanding of the proposed work before proceeding.

Useful questions include:

Can the existing bricks be tinted?

The masonry should be assessed before any treatment is agreed.

What colour would work best?

The specialist should consider the existing brickwork and surrounding features.

Does the entire wall need treatment?

In some cases, selective tinting may be sufficient.

How will mismatched bricks be handled?

This is particularly important for extensions and repair areas.

What preparation is required?

Preparation can affect the quality of the final finish.

How will access be managed?

This is especially relevant for larger properties and HMOs.

How long will the work take?

Landlords can then coordinate the project with other void-period maintenance.

Is the Void Period the Right Opportunity?

For many landlords, the answer may be yes when there is a genuine cosmetic issue that needs addressing.

The practical advantages are clear. The property is empty, contractors can work with fewer restrictions, and other maintenance tasks can potentially be coordinated at the same time.

However, brick tinting should not become an automatic part of every tenancy changeover.

If the brickwork already looks good, there is little reason to alter it.

If the bricks are structurally damaged, tinting is not the correct solution.

If there is a noticeable colour mismatch between an extension and the original property, or replacement bricks are drawing attention, then a specialist assessment may be worthwhile.

The best approach is to use the void period as an opportunity to inspect the entire exterior and decide which improvements genuinely add value to the property’s presentation and long-term condition.