Are you tired of replacing your carpet every time tenants move out? It?s an inevitability of being a landlord. However, there are some things you can do to ensure that your carpet lasts longer while also looking great. Follow these tips for choosing and maintaining your rental's carpet.?
1. Choose the Material Carefully
Many landlords make the mistake of simply getting the least expensive option. Cheap carpet is going to wear faster and take on stains earlier, which means you're going to have to replace it more frequently. A mid-range carpet is going to be a little more expensive, but it's going to last longer.?
Your choice of material is highly dependent on the type of rental you're offering. If you expect that people will move out fairly frequently, you may want better-grade carpet; you'll be able to clean and keep your carpet between tenants. On the other hand, if you expect that tenants will last a few years and then move out, you may already have decided that you're going to be replacing the carpet entirely between tenants.?
2. Consider Commercial Carpeting
Commercial carpet doesn't have to be unattractive. If you have units that you want to remain carpeted for some time but that nevertheless get significant turnover, you may want to consider the benefits of commercial carpeting. Commercial carpeting is usually a low pile, moderately comfortable,?extremely durable?carpet that may even come with a significant warranty attached.?
3. Look at the Pile
Low pile carpet and looped pile carpet are both usually more durable, or at least show fewer signs of wear than other types of carpet. In general, you don't want to have lengthy, plush carpet, as this is the type of carpet that will crush and pill.?
Looped pile carpet, such as Berber, is going to maintain its shape even if subjected to significant traffic. Low pile carpet is easier to keep clean and less likely to permanently stain. You can still have plush, thick carpets, but you may want to relegate them to areas such as the bedroom, rather than high traffic halls, entryways, and living rooms.??
4. Get the Right Pad
There are four major types of pad: foam, fiber, rubber, and rebond. Though foam is usually the cheapest option, it will compact very easily. A thick foam pad is going to be uncomfortable to walk on after a year. In order to replace the pad under the carpeting, the carpet essentially has to be reinstalled. This is an expensive task that can be avoided.?
Fiber is a thick type of padding that is often used under Berber carpets. Fiber is a good option for landlords ? though the fiber may not be as comfortable as some other options, it's going to last a long time and continue to offer support. Similarly, rubber is also a heavy pad, but it's expensive. As a compromise, rebond foam is a very popular choice that is durable but also has some give.?
5. Talk to Your Tenants
Finally, a lot of damage can simply be avoided by talking to your tenants. Outline their responsibilities in the lease regarding the care of your carpet. Conduct reasonable inspections and ask them to make repairs or clean the carpet as needed. If your tenants are well-versed in the care that the carpet needs, they are more likely to take care of the carpet properly.?
Before you commit to a type of carpeting, you may want to see it in action. A carpet showroom can give you the information you need to make an educated decision. Stop by Carpet Mart today to?find out more.?
