Owning a rental property can be incredibly profitable, especially if the housing market is booming. However, renting comes with undeniable challenges. Finding good tenants is one of the biggest challenges and one that's not easily overcome. Even with the best of tenants, wear and tear happens in a home.

Typically, experts recommend you change your home's carpeting every 8-10 years, says the National Association of Home Builders. However, if you have a high rental turnover and lots of different feet padding around on it, your rental unit's carpet might need to be changed more often.

So when it comes time to renovate or update your rental property, it's important to think long-term. Every choice, especially the type of flooring chosen, can make a large impact on how easy it is to maintain the property.

Here are some fail-safe options for flooring in a rental unit.

Laminate

Laminate flooring can be the perfect combination of durability and aesthetics. While wood and tile have costly and vigorous maintenance routines, laminate can have a similar look with easier upkeep.

“Laminate flooring brings the beauty of natural wood floor and the easy maintenance of vinyl floor together so you can have the style you want and the carefree maintenance you need,” says Giant Carpet One. There are so many beautiful laminate flooring options that will not only last but also attract renters to your property.

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Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors, while visually appealing, have some drawbacks, as previously mentioned. Spills need to be cleaned up immediately and scratches happen often. But if you're committed to the look and quality of hardwood floors, there are options.

“Let’s be honest, your tenants might not care if they scratch the floor or clean up a spill quickly. Fortunately, hardwood has come a long way,” notes to Rentec Direct. “Most products available will make a great floor, but the variations in finishes, the type of hardwood (check the type vs the janka scale to see how hard it really is) and adhesives can make your purchase a good one or a bad one.”

If you're set on having beautiful hardwood floors in your rental home, make sure to check with your local flooring expert on your options for preserving it.

Durable, stain-resistant carpet

Carpet is the epitome of comfort in flooring, but it can also be the fastest to wear down. If the idea of putting carpet in a rental scares you, but you are determined to put that touch of comfort in the home, make sure that you choose a carpet that is created for endurance and stain resistance.

“Although there are many fibers that range from nylon to olefin, I prefer nylon for rental properties,” says Blue Fox Properties. “It is very durable and resilient and tends to clean up well in between tenancies. Sometimes, the same stain on an olefin carpet, for example, may be permanent. However, that same stain may be able to be removed from a nylon carpet.”

When it comes to the color of your carpet, choose something that will hide stains and wear well. White or light carpet is probably not going to last as long as a darker tan or multi-colored carpet.

Additionally, you can be picky about where you choose to put carpet in your rental property. High-traffic areas might not be the best place for carpet since it will wear down faster. But bedrooms and closets are ideal for plush flooring.

Vinyl

Giant Carpet One notes that vinyl is an extremely durable floor that's resistant to scuffs and spots. If you rent out a multi-bedroom home where children might be living, vinyl could be an excellent option.

Not to mention — vinyl flooring has come a long way. It now can compete with the best of the hardwood, tile and stone flooring products. Your budget will largely determine which expensive look you'd like to mimic with vinyl flooring.

After choosing which floor covering is best for your property, remember to provide your renters with instructions for how to best take care of the floor. Every type of flooring needs particular care to keep it in top shape. If the renters have quick access to these instructions, it will be easier for them to help take care of the home.

For more information or help choosing the best flooring options for your rental properties, contact the experts at Giant Carpet One.

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