The flooring used in rental properties needs to be extremely durable and since property management is an investment, you are going to want to spend as little as possible on the materials that go into the rental.  Although you want lower upfront costs, it is important to consider how often you will be replacing materials.

Cheaper material usually means more time and money spent on repair and replacement.  With so many great options in flooring, choosing the best one for your rental property can be difficult.  Below we will list out the best flooring options for rental properties, and the pros and cons of each.


Recommended Flooring Options for Rental Properties

Carpet
If you choose to install carpet, you’ll want to go with a higher quality yarn that will combat foot traffic and stains better than a cheaper version.  Although you’ll save money initially on a lower quality carpet, you will end up only getting 1-2 years of life out of the product rather than a nicer product which can last 5-7 years.

Pros

  • Easy to install and inexpensive to replace.
  • Reduces noise and cuts down on energy bills.

Cons

  • Shows wear and tear easily and must be cleaned between residents.
  • May need frequent replacing depending on the quality.
  • Traps odors and allergens.

Tile
Tile is generally common in geographic areas where there is high humidity and moisture, however tile has become more popular in recent years because of its element of design. Tile is an extremely durable option that is also very easy to keep clean and toxin free.  It can be an extremely cohesive design look since it can be applied to both walls and floors.  If tile is chosen as flooring, you’ll want to go with one of the stronger stones or porcelain tile.  Porcelain tiles are composed of fine clays and fired at much higher temperatures than ceramic tile, which makes it denser, less porous, much harder, and less prone to moisture and stains.  Keep in mind that tile flooring is not maintenance-free. Tile will periodically need to be re-grouted and resealed. It is also not indestructible. If a tile is cracked or broken, you may have to replace the entire floor if you don’t have a matching tile to patch it with.

Pros

  • Long lasting, durable and easy to maintain.

Cons

  • Expensive to install, must be re-grouted and sealed periodically.

 

 

 


Laminate
Some home owners are using laminate as an alternative to hardwood because it is more cost effective and much more durable. Since the quality can vary, a commercial grade laminate is going to give you the most bang for your buck since it will save you money on replacing it over time.  Although laminate is forgiving with scratches and wear and tear, it will warp with water damage.  It also tends to buckle and break if, when installed, it isn’t given the proper room to expand.  Since it is technically a “floating” floor that snaps together, it needs to be installed on a flat surface since it isn’t very forgiving.  This also makes it difficult to replace a damaged section and you often have to remove the entire floor.

Pros

  • Less expensive to install, considered an upgrade to renters, looks like wood.

Cons

  • Prone to water damage, hard to patch a section if damaged.

 

 


Vinyl

Vinyl flooring has been around forever because it's durable, waterproof, and easy to maintain. There is no sealing or grouting required and it is inexpensive to replace when it gets damaged or worn.  Vinyl flooring is commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements because it is perfect for water prone areas.  It also comes in plank, tile, and sheet form so there are now more design options available.

Pros

  • Durable, water proof, good on uneven surfaces. Inexpensive and easy to install.

Cons

  • Not Eco-friendly.