5 Best Flooring Types For a Rental Property in 2025

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is a 100-percent synthetic material that is composed of several layers. They come in several different types such as luxury vinyl plank (LVP), luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), vinyl composite tiles (VCT), and vinyl sheets. It has very similar characteristics as laminate with custom printed designs on a hard surface, however, vinyl  is thicker and has a longer lifespan.

Why We Like Vinyl Flooring

For the purposes of rental real estate, vinyl flooring is the best option to check all boxes for a landlord – durable, waterproof and reasonably priced.

Carpet

The modern carpet industry dates back to 1791 and is the most common flooring type throughout modern North American houses. While this fan favorite flooring material is widespread, it is not always the best option for rental real estate due to the fact that it wears out.

Why We Like Carpet Flooring

Although it wears out over time, carpet is economical and creates a familiar sense of comfort for rental properties such as residential units and office suites.

Tile

Although usually used in kitchen and bathroom flooring, tile is also used throughout a rental property in areas such as living rooms and hallways. Popular styles are “stone look” or “wood look” which mimics the same as a hardwood floor design.

Why We Like Tile Flooring

Tile is the most durable option for rental properties, but is also the most expensive and labor-intensive to install. If you are thinking long-term, tile flooring is the way to go.

Laminate

Laminate is made from high-resolution photos of actual hardwood grain, stone, or any other design. It is then printed onto a fiberboard backing and covered by a scratch-resistant topcoat. The beauty of laminate flooring is that it can easily be bought at any local building supply retailer and installed relatively quickly.

Why We Like Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring gives the best of many worlds – it looks like hardwood, but is affordable, durable, and easy to install.

Polished Concrete

Most commercial spaces have a cement underlayment. A recent popular trend has been to sand and polish the existing concrete flooring underneath any previously installed floors. Cement polished floors not only look great, but are also extremely durable. Depending on the traffic and maintenance care, polished concrete floors can last 20 or more years. 

Why We Like Polished Concrete Flooring

For commercial spaces such as industrial properties, modern office spaces, and even retail units, polished cement floors provide an excellent and long lasting floor.

Need help installing the perfect flooring for your rental property? Get connected with a trusted rental property flooring installer near you who specializes in quality work for rental units. Answer a few simple questions, and we’ll match you with experienced professionals in your area.

Best for Residential (Single Family)

For a single family rental home, the best choice of flooring is a combination of various different flooring materials. An example would be carpet in the bedrooms, and a more durable material such as vinyl, laminate, or tile in the bathrooms and common areas for durability and ease of maintenance.

Best for Residential (Multifamily)

For multifamily rental apartments, carpet is the most popular option for interior units due to its soundproofing capabilities, ability to absorb spills, and low cost. Adding vinyl or laminate flooring in kitchens and bedrooms can also help prolong the life of these higher traffic areas.

Best for Commercial

Commercial rental properties usually have different types of flooring depending on the building’s use. Some of the most common types of flooring found in commercial properties include commercial grade carpet, vinyl composite tiles (VCT), polished concrete, stained concrete, and epoxy flooring.

Best for Retail

Commercial retail properties usually have commercial grade carpet, vinyl composite tiles (VCT), or a mix of both. Commercial carpet tends to add a sense of softness and warmth to shoppers, while vinyl composite tiles (VCT) is commonly used at most major large retailers for its ease of maintenance and clean-style look.

Best for Industrial

Industrial properties mostly choose concrete flooring as their preferred choice of flooring for it’s extreme  durability, easy to clean, and slip-resistant finish. Depending on the business’s use, they may opt for a polished or unpolished finish.

Best for Office

Office properties are predominantly suited with carpet throughout the interior of the suites for their many designs, great acoustic qualities, and insulation qualities. Office carpet is usually roll-carpet or carpet tiles. Some offices may also opt to install vinyl, laminate, or even polished concrete for a more modern look.

Best for Hospitality

In the case of a hospitality hotel property, carpet is the most popular option for interior suites due to its soundproofing capabilities, ability to absorb spills, and comfort. Hallways and common areas will usually have vinyl or laminate flooring for ease of maintenance on these high traffic areas.

Best for Self Storage

Self storage properties typically have cement flooring inside of the actual storage units, while newer or indoor climate-controlled facilities may opt for an epoxy coated flooring. Cement or epoxy flooring is the best economical choice for both cost, maintenance, and longevity at these types of properties.

Best for Senior Housing

Wheelchairs, walkers and canes are common traffic for senior living facilities. As such, vinyl flooring is often the preferred choice of flooring for this type of rental property due to its cushiony surface and slip-resistant finish, making it ideal for those with mobility issues.

Best for Student Housing

In student housing properties, laminate or vinyl flooring is a great choice because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to clean, as well as resistant to wear and tear. Some properties may have carpet in the bedrooms, while others with higher turnover rates usually do full laminate or vinyl flooring.

Best for Vacation Rentals

Vacation rental properties need a mix of quality and durability when it comes to flooring. This usually leads many hosts to tile. Tile flooring works perfectly in vacation rentals due to its ability to withstand moisture while still being aesthetically pleasing.

For any landlord considering flooring options for rental properties, cost is likely going to be a major factor in their decision. Carpet flooring is typically the cheapest option when compared to other types of rental property flooring, but can often require more regular maintenance such as cleaning and replacing especially in areas with high foot traffic.

When it comes to rental properties, replacing old flooring can be a contentious issue; especially for long-term tenants. From carpets to floorboards and tiles, the age and condition of flooring can have a huge impact on both landlord and tenant. Although there is no clear law which requires landlords to change flooring based on aesthetics, it is becoming increasingly common for landlords to have this responsibility. Tenants may not feel safe and healthy if flooring is old or in disrepair, and in this case the landlord may be responsible for replacement costs. Other factors such as normal aging over several years or wear-and-tear from tenants should also be taken into account. Ultimately, whether the landlord is responsible for changing out flooring comes down to the terms of their agreement with the tenant and whether there are any relevant laws where the rental property is located.