Flat Renovation for re-letting in Dublin, Rathmines

We were recently instructed by a property owner in Rathmines (Dublin 6) to handle a challenging, full-scale flat turnaround after a tenant vacated the property.

The flat had been left in a state of severe neglect, completely filled with abandoned furniture, household waste, and personal items. Compounding the issue, heavy indoor smoking over several years had left the entire property coated in a thick, yellowed layer of nicotine residue, creating deep-set tar stains on the ceilings and a persistent, heavy odour throughout the rooms. For any landlord, a property left in this condition represents a major loss of rental income and requires a comprehensive, multi-trade remediation strategy to make it habitable and market-ready again.

Our team began by executing a rapid, systematic property clearance, packing and removing all abandoned items and legally disposing of them at a licensed Dublin waste facility. Once the flat was entirely emptied, we performed an intensive, deep-clean sanitization of all surfaces. Addressing the nicotine-stained ceilings required specialist intervention; tar and nicotine are highly water-soluble, meaning that if you try to paint over them with standard retail emulsion, the yellow stains and strong tobacco odours will immediately bleed through the new paint layer within days. To prevent this, we chemically washed the ceilings to remove the surface tar build-up, and then applied a premium, shellac-based stain-blocking primer to completely seal and lock away the stubborn discolouration and odours permanently.

With the structural surfaces fully stabilized and sealed, we carried out a complete interior repaint using high-durability, modern tones to maximize the flat's natural light. To finalize the dramatic transformation, we stripped out the old, worn floor coverings and installed a new, bright, high-quality contemporary flooring throughout the flat.

This fresh flooring choice instantly opened up the rooms, making the entire flat feel significantly larger, cleaner, and more welcoming. The property was successfully transformed from a heavily damaged, unrentable space into a pristine, bright, and modern flat, allowing the landlord to confidently place it back on the Dublin rental market with maximum appeal.

Dealing with a difficult end-of-tenancy clearance or heavy tobacco damage in Rathmines or the wider Dublin area? From complete property clean outs and specialized stain blocking to fresh painting and flooring, we handle the entire turnaround under one roof. Contact our local team today for an expert consultation and a comprehensive, free quote.