Installing new flooring can be a significant expense for rental property owners. As tenants move in and out, flooring takes a beating and eventually needs replacing. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) has become an increasingly popular flooring choice for rental units due to its durability, easy maintenance, and affordable cost. Here’s why LVT should be the flooring of choice for your investment property.
Durability for High Traffic
Unlike carpet or wood floors, Luxury Vinyl Tile is made to withstand heavy foot traffic along with dropped items and furniture shuffling. The top vinyl layer is fused to a rigid core, making it waterproof and dent-resistant. LVT won’t scratch, stain or show other signs of wear and tear as quickly as other flooring options. Even in a rental property with frequent tenant turnover, LVT floors will continue looking new for years before needing replacement.
Easy Maintenance Between Tenants
Preparing a unit for new tenants always involves thorough cleaning throughout the property. LVT makes this process faster and more affordable compared to other flooring materials. Its sealed surface resists dirt, spills and grime so it can be easily wiped clean.
There is no need for heavy-duty steam cleaners or hired equipment to clean the floors thoroughly. With LVT, basic sweeping and mopping is all that’s required to have floors looking fresh and clean for new occupants.
Affordable Initial Cost
Investing in new flooring for a rental can strain budgets for property owners. LVT provides a high-end flooring look at a budget-friendly cost. Both materials and installation are cheaper than most other flooring options. LVT starts at around £2 per square foot compared to £3 or more for materials alone with carpet or hardwood. Durability also boosts value over time since the floors will last longer before needing replacement.
Customizable Style in Luxury Vinyl Tile
One major advantage of LVT is the wide variety of colours, textures and patterns available. Wood and stone looks are very popular for their natural beauty and upscale appeal. Rental owners can choose LVT floors to coordinate with other interior finishes like countertops and cabinets. Mixing plank sizes and orientations creates unique layouts tailored to each rental space. This flexibility in design allows creating custom floors that appeal to tenant tastes without the expense of real wood or stone.
Sound Insulation
Noisy upstairs neighbours are a common rental woe. LVT helps mitigate noise transfer between apartment units due to its sound-dampening properties. The dense core construction blocks impact noise from footsteps and moving furniture. It also reduces airborne noise from voices and stereos coming through ceilings and walls. Adding LVT may provide enough sound insulation to eliminate tenant complaints, minimizing hassles for property managers.
Cozy Warmth Underfoot
Tenants want their living space to feel like home, and cold, hard flooring doesn’t fit the bill. LVT offers just enough cushioning to increase comfort underfoot. New innovations in underlayer technology provide an extra-cushy feel mimicking wood or carpet. LVT floors feel warmer and softer straightaway, unlike tile or laminate. Tenants will appreciate the cozy factor, especially for basement units and second stories prone to temperature extremes.
Moisture Resistance
Dealing with leaks, floods and excessive moisture are among a rental owner’s biggest headaches. Water damage not only costs a fortune to repair but also forces tenants to vacate while repairs occur. LVT offers waterproof protection few other flooring materials can match. Planks and tiles withstand sitting moisture, leaks and can even handle full submersion. Tenants’ personal property stays protected should the worst happen. No more worries about mould, warped boards or extensive water damage repairs with LVT floors.
Should You Consider Getting Luxury Vinyl Tile Flooring?
While LVT may not carry the same prestige as hardwood or natural stone, its performance attributes make it the gold standard flooring for rental properties. Durability, affordability, low maintenance and style versatility put LVT floors in a class of their own. Landlords can’t go wrong choosing luxury vinyl plank or tiles floors as smart, worry-free flooring solution ready to stand up to tenants, moisture and heavy use for years on end.