What is the best flooring for renters?
If you’re renovating a property to rent out, you want to install a floor that will last so your tenants don’t run into any issues.
With so many floors to choose from, it can be hard to narrow it down to just one. As a landlord, you also need to factor in how many tenants you’ll have coming and going over the years; choosing a floor that will stay in good condition for more than a decade is ideal.
However, it’s not just landlords who have to think about this. If you’re renting a property for a few years, you may want to consider replacing the floors if they’re not looking great. In this instance, you have not only the floors to think about but also getting your landlord's permission to change them.
Besides finding a floor that won’t crumble from everyday wear and tear, spills, and moving furniture, you want to settle on something that also looks appealing. Luckily for you, we’ve got a few ideas.
First things first… what to consider
As we’ve said, becoming a landlord and renting out a property involves a lot of planning and preparation.
You’ll want to consider your budget, including how much you can afford to splurge on the floors alone, the durability of the floor itself, the required upkeep, and whether the installation is a quick job or not.
On the flipside, if you’re a renter, then you need to find a flooring that your landlord will approve of. In the UK, it’s more common than not that you’ll have something in your lease agreement that prevents you from making any permanent alterations. However, there’s no harm in asking! (Just make sure you get written permission before installing your new floors.)
Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to think about:
Durability and longevity
Floors are one part of the house that shouldn’t need doing up every few years. Since they cost so much to rip up and replace, you really want to get it right the first time.
When it comes to high-traffic areas, like kitchens, living rooms, and hallways, you’ll need a floor that can withstand constant footfall, dirty shoes, and spills. Especially for households with small children and pets.
In a rental property, it's especially important to choose flooring that can resist scratches, dents, and other forms of damage. While durable flooring may initially cost more, the return on investment (ROI) makes it worth considering.
Ease of installation and removal
If you’re a renter, then you’ll want something easy to install and remove without making a mess.
Landlords will often require you to replace the original flooring before your tenancy comes to an end, which is why most renters opt for temporary solutions, like rugs and mats, or peel-and-stick vinyl tiles.
If you’re a landlord, you may also want to consider flooring that is easy to maintain and replace, especially if the property experiences frequent turnovers.
Maintenance and cleaning
When it comes to renting, you want the property to be easy to clean and maintain. Not only does this prevent renters from being charged for damage, but it also makes landlords' lives easier, as they have fewer repairs to make.
For this reason, look for a floor that handles moisture and spills well and one that doesn’t collect dirt or dust. Opting for one that’s mop-friendly will make everyone's lives much easier!
6 best floors for renters
So, once you’ve realised what it is you’re actually looking for, it’s time to browse a few options and see which one is right for your property.
Changing your floors is the perfect way to personalise the space without causing yourself too much hassle once the rental period is over.
1. LVT
Luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) add an air of sophistication and class to any home without you having to put in too much effort.
Designed from multiple layers of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a strong vinyl core, and a protective top layer, this flooring is like a chameleon, with the ability to appear as authentic stone, wood, or tile.
For this reason, it’s a versatile choice for renters, as it’s incredibly durable against scratches and dents, and it can blend perfectly with any space. With its natural resistance to moisture, many landlords and renters choose it for kitchens and bathrooms, so they look stylish while lasting for years.
Its low cost allows you to enjoy all the benefits of real wood, stone, or tile floors without putting a dent in your wallet. For temporary renters, this is especially beneficial, alongside its quick and easy click-and-lock or peel-and-stick installation.
Best for:
- Bathrooms
- Conservatories
- Dining Rooms
- Hallways
- Kitchens
- Living Rooms
- Stairs
- Utility Rooms
2. Laminate floors
Laminate flooring is another excellent option for rental properties, providing the look of real wood or stone floors without the hefty price tag.
Whether you love the look of rich, dark wood floors or prefer the softer, more delicate look of light oak, laminate floors come in a range of styles, colours, and wood patterns. Its resistance to scratches and dents makes it ideal for homes with pets, children, or heavy foot traffic, as you won’t be left with numerous repairs to pay for.
The water-resistant properties of LVT mean it can handle occasional spills in kitchens or bathrooms without warping or staining, a concern often associated with laminate or solid wood floors.
Additionally, LVT products are designed with click-lock or peel-and-stick systems, allowing for quick DIY installation or a straightforward professional installation. If you’re a renter or landlord, then this is the best immediate solution.
However, it isn’t waterproof, so avoid using it for bathrooms and kitchens!
Best for:
- Conservatory
- Dining Room
- Hallway
- Living Room
- Stairs
- Utility Rooms
3. Ceramic and porcelain tiles
Tiles are always a great choice for rental properties; they look beautiful, are strong, and are perfect for areas with high moisture levels, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms.
One of the standout features of ceramic and porcelain tiles is their water resistance. Unlike wood or laminate, tiles don’t absorb liquids, meaning they won’t warp or stain when exposed to splashes, spills, or when mopping up.
Beyond their practical benefits, these tiles come in a range of stunning styles, patterns, and colours, adding character to any home. Tiles are also relatively low-maintenance, requiring only regular mopping and wiping, as well as occasional grout removal to prevent discolouration.
All in all, they’re quick and easy to install, and they make any rental property look classic and polished.
Best for:
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Utility rooms
4. Engineered hardwood
Engineered wood is the next best option after real wood floors if you want something that looks authentic and feels comfy underfoot.
Designed with layers of ply glued together, it features a top layer of hardwood veneer, offering the warm, cosy appeal that only real wood can provide. The multiple layers make it far less susceptible to warping or swelling caused by changes in temperature or humidity.
While installation can be slightly trickier than that of vinyl or laminate, engineered wood can be used with floating floor systems for a quicker DIY installation, or you can get a professional to install it without spending too much.
If you’re renting a property, engineered wood is a stylish and practical option that won’t require permanent alterations, while landlords will enjoy a durable floor that can withstand multiple tenancies and maintain its appeal over time.
Best for:
- Conservatory
- Dining Room
- Hallway
- Stairs
- Living Room
5. Carpet
If you’re looking for something a little less pristine and a lot more warm and cosy, then a carpet is the perfect choice for a rental property.
It provides a soft underfoot feel while helping to insulate floors, trapping heat in and saving on energy bills. For flats or multi-storey properties, renters can benefit from noise reduction so noise doesn’t travel up from downstairs apartments.
For this reason, many people opt for carpet for bedrooms and living rooms to create a relaxing and serene atmosphere, keeping you toasty while relaxing at home. While carpet catches and traps more dirt and crumbs, it’s nothing that regular hoovering and brushing can’t fix.
Best for:
- Living rooms
- Bedrooms
- Hallways
6. Area rugs and mats
When all else fails, placing an area rug or mat over an unattractive floor works wonders for renters.
A quick and temporary solution, this requires minimal effort and is the best way for renters to cover stained or damaged floors without incurring significant costs. The best thing about rugs is that they can be placed over laminate, vinyl, or engineered wood floors with a variety of patterns and colours to choose from.
You can opt for a small rug to place under furniture or a large rug to cover the entire floor. Since they’re not fixed down, rugs and mats can easily be moved and replaced, offering flexibility for renters.
Mats are particularly useful in entrances and kitchens to catch dirt and moisture before it reaches more delicate flooring.
Ready to make your rental feel more like you?
Personalising your home starts from the ground up, and we want you to feel at home in your space.
Whether you’re a renter looking for something stylish and practical or a landlord seeking durable, budget-friendly, and low-maintenance options, Mersey Flooring has the solution for you.
You can browse a range of stone, ceramic, and wood LVT floors, as well as beautiful laminate and engineered wood flooring in our range.