What Flooring Is Best for Rental Properties? A Landlords’ Guide

Choosing the right flooring for a rental property is no small task. As a landlord or property manager, you’re looking for something that looks great, is durable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. 

Rental properties often experience more wear and tear than owner-occupied homes, so choosing flooring is a critical decision for long-term success.

At Baker Bros, we’ve helped countless property owners find flooring solutions that balance aesthetics, durability, and practicality.

In this guide, we’ll break down what flooring is best for rental properties, exploring the top options, their benefits, and factors to consider.

Why Flooring Matters in Rental Properties

Your choice of flooring can make or break your rental property's success. Think about it: Flooring is one of the first things potential tenants notice when they walk in, and it's also one of the elements that take the most abuse during a tenancy. Good flooring can mean fewer replacements, happier tenants, and higher returns on your investment.

Factors like water resistance, ease of cleaning, and cost all come into play. A well-chosen floor not only attracts tenants but also minimizes repair and replacement costs between leases, saving landlords time and money.

Best Flooring Options for Rental Properties

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury vinyl plank flooring has become more convenient for rental properties, and there's a good reason for that. It's water resistant, handles heavy foot traffic like a champ, and looks surprisingly like real stone or hardwood floors. We've seen rental units with luxury vinyl plank still looking great even after multiple tenants.

What makes it particularly great for rentals is how easy it is to maintain. Tenants can keep it clean with simple sweeping and mopping, and if a section gets damaged, you can replace individual planks instead of redoing the whole floor.

Engineered Hardwood

While solid hardwood is beautiful, engineered hardwood might be a smarter choice for your rental property. It gives you the same upscale look but with better durability and water resistance. Plus, it's more stable in varying temperatures and humidity levels. This is important if you're managing properties in Arizona's climate.

Carpet Tiles

Here's something many landlords don't consider: carpet tiles instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. They're easy to install, and if a section gets stained or damaged, you can replace just that tile instead of the entire carpet. They don't hold odors like traditional carpeting, and they're perfect for bedrooms where tenants want something soft underfoot.

Laminate Flooring

If you're working with a tighter budget, today's laminate flooring options offer impressive durability at a lower price point. Modern laminate is tough against scratches and dents, and it's easy to clean - something both you and your tenants will appreciate.

Strategic Flooring Choices by Room

Different rooms in your rental property face different challenges. The flooring that works great in a living room might be a disaster in a bathroom. We've learned from working with property owners that choosing the right flooring for each space can save you both time and money in the long run. Let's look at the best options for different areas in your rental property and why they work so well.

High-Traffic Areas

For entryways, hallways, and living rooms, focus on durability. Luxury vinyl plank or laminate flooring are excellent choices for these spaces. They can handle heavy foot traffic while keeping their good looks.

Wet Areas

In kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, water-resistant options are crucial. Think about those everyday scenarios - a splash from the shower, a washing machine overflow, or a pot of pasta water spilling in the kitchen. Luxury vinyl tile is perfect for these spaces because it handles these moisture challenges well and won't warp or buckle like some other flooring types. 

Even in bathrooms where humidity levels constantly change, or in laundry rooms where dripping clothes are a regular occurrence, luxury vinyl maintains its shape and appearance. This means fewer emergency maintenance calls and longer-lasting floors for your rental property.

Bedrooms

This is where carpet tiles or standard carpeting might make sense. They add comfort and warmth while helping with noise reduction between units.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Rental Flooring

Choosing the right flooring for a rental property isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about finding a solution that balances durability, maintenance, and cost. Rental units face unique challenges, from high foot traffic to tenant turnover, so it’s important to consider these factors when making a practical and appealing choice.

Durability

Rental properties experience significant foot traffic, furniture moves, and potential damage from pets or tenants. Durable options like luxury vinyl, laminate, and engineered hardwood are excellent choices for enduring wear and tear.

Maintenance

Ease of maintenance is crucial for both landlords and tenants. Materials like luxury vinyl and laminate are easy to clean and maintain, reducing repair costs and tenant complaints.

Cost

Balancing upfront costs with long-term value is essential. While hardwood may be expensive to install, its longevity can make it a worthwhile investment for certain properties. For budget-conscious landlords, luxury vinyl and carpet tiles offer excellent durability at a lower price.

Water Resistance

Water resistance is significant for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Luxury vinyl and ceramic tiles are ideal for these spaces, as they handle moisture without warping or staining.

Tenant Turnover

Frequent tenant turnover requires flooring that’s easy to replace, repair, or clean to minimize downtime. Carpet tiles and luxury vinyl excel in this area, offering flexibility and affordability during turnovers.

Making the Right Flooring Choice for Your Rental Property

Choosing what flooring is best for rental properties involves balancing aesthetics, durability, and cost to meet the unique demands of rental units. Luxury vinyl plank, carpet tiles, laminate, and hardwood each offer distinct advantages, making them suitable for different property types and areas.

At Baker Bros, we specialize in helping landlords and property managers find flooring solutions tailored to their needs. Whether you’re outfitting a high-end rental or a budget-friendly unit, we have a wide range of options to suit your style and budget. 

Visit our showrooms today to explore flooring choices that will enhance your rental property and attract long-term tenants.