If you’re a landlord, you’ll agree rental property maintenance is a huge consideration when purchasing or renovating an investment property. Expenses incurred in the upkeep of your asset need to be weighed against possible vacancy and the risk of overcapitalising. It’s certainly a numbers game.

When it comes to choosing the best flooring for your rental property there are a number of essential considerations. You’ll want to factor in the cost of purchase, installation, and cleaning or repair in between tenants. Also, there’s a need to select flooring that will appeal to a wide range of potential tenants; and be durable enough to handle kids, pets, or even frequent moves in and out.

Don’t be overwhelmed though! We’re just about to take you through a few options and our pick of the best flooring solutions to make your rental property maintenance easier.

Laminate timber flooring is a great choice for landlords

Laminate flooring gives the high-end look of hardwood flooring without hurting the pocket too much. Although it’s a great option for your rental property, like with all of the flooring options presented here, there are also some drawbacks.

Some advantages of laminate flooring include:

  • Durable and can withstand significant wear and tear;
  • If damaged, it’s possible to replace sections without redoing the entire room;
  • Looks great – it’s modern, stylish and sought after by tenants inspecting prospective rentals;
  • Easy to install and competitively priced;
  • The use of underlay makes it quite soft underfoot and also warmer in winter than traditional hardwood timber flooring; and it’s
  • Easy to keep clean with regular vacuuming and mopping.

However, there are drawbacks.

  • It can be damaged if it’s not cared for. It’s possible for the laminate on top to be pierced and the finished surface can be scratched.
  • Cheaper versions can be less durable and unable to withstand frequent moving of furniture.
  • If poorly installed, its lifespan is not as long.

Vinyl flooring has its merits as an option for rental properties

There are a number of reasons why you’d consider vinyl flooring for your investment property.

Vinyl flooring is:

  • Economical to purchase and install;
  • Very durable and can withstand all sorts of treatment, especially if professionally installed;
  • Available in a range of finishes including timber, slate or even replicating popular tile patterns;
  • Surprisingly soft underfoot; and
  • A regular sweep and mop will keep it clean.

On the other hand, vinyl:

  • Has a reputation for being old-fashioned and is out of favour with many tenants;
  • Can be less comfortable than other options, especially in areas of high heat or humidity;
  • May peel and flake if it’s not sealed and maintained well; and
  • If damage is done in one area, in most cases the entire room will need redoing.

Tiles are often used in rentals, here’s why you might consider them

Generally speaking, tiles are big on durability and low on maintenance. That makes them sound unbeatable! But they’re not for everyone and here are some of the pros and cons.

Pros for laying tiles in your rental property include:

  • A tiled floor does not show dirt as much as carpet or floorboards;
  • The same tiles used throughout a property can give the impression of larger rooms;
  • There are many modern and trendy colours and finishes to choose from;
  • It’s easy to buy and store an extra box to ensure a lifetime of replacement tiles;
  • Very durable for high traffic areas and also suited to wet areas;
  • Very easy to clean and maintain; and
  • Help maintain the cool in summer.

There are some cons of tiled flooring, such as:

  • Inexpensive tiles are usually quite thin and they can easily be chipped and broken;
  • Some tiles can get slippery when wet;
  • Without a floor rug, tiles can get cold in winter;
  • Grout needs regular maintenance to avoid becoming dirty and stained;
  • Difficult to match if you don’t arrange that box of spares;
  • Can pose an issue for children or elderly who may fall; and it’s
  • Hard underfoot.

Hardwood timber floors look great, but are they the best choice for your rental property?

Timber floors are very much on trend and you’d possibly consider them for the following reasons:

  • They add a sense of “high end” or class to a room;
  • Tenants desire them and this can lead to your property may be easier to rent;
  • They are quite durable and easy to keep clean;
  • They’re suitable for people with allergies; and
  • When well maintained, you may get 10-15 years between needing to sand and reseal.

There are some downsides though and these include:

  • They can be easily scratched and dented if not cared for well (high heels are notorious for damaging timber floors);
  • Expensive when compared to the other options; and
  • Sanding and resealing can be messy and costly.

How suitable is carpet or carpet tiles for your rental property?

Some of the positives for selecting carpet for your rental’s floor covering include:

  • It looks great when newly installed;
  • There are some very economical options available;
  • It adds warmth to a house in winter months; and
  • If installed over floorboards it can protect them.

The negatives around carpeting a rental property are significant though, and just some of them are:

  • Can easily be soiled and stained;
  • Smells and dirt can be trapped in the fibres;
  • May pose a problem for people with allergies, asthma and intolerances;
  • Damage can occur from pets and kids;
  • Not durable for high traffic areas; and
  • Might look worn and dirty quickly depending on fabric and colour.

And the winner is…

Any of the flooring options above would be suitable for a rental property and each comes with pros and cons.

As flooring specialists, we advise landlords to give serious consideration to laminate flooring for the living areas of a rental property; and then tiles for the wet areas of the home.

The overall durability and ease of cleaning make laminate a winner and should a tenant want carpet, they can always use rugs on the floor.

With rental property maintenance the upkeep expenses must be kept in check. Before making your final decision; we recommend contacting one of the experts at Ashmore Carpets to discuss your specific rental property so we can help determine the best flooring solution for your needs. Call us today for obligation-free helpful advice!

Need floor solutions for rental property maintenance? Get in touch with Ashmore Carpets today!