There comes a time in every landlord’s life when the carpeting needs to be replaced in their apartment unit(s). Depending on the number of units they have, it can seem like a daunting task…and expense…but there are simple strategies to getting the most value for your dollar when it comes to replacing apartment carpet.
First, consider the type of tenant who lives in the apartment. If you’ve met with them prior to signing the lease and if you’ve done routine preventative maintenance inspections, you should have a pretty good indication of how they live. Here are a few questions to consider:
- Do they have an occupation that would cause them to wear heavy, dirty boots inside the apartment?
- Do they have young children who are prone to spills?
- Do they maintain a tidy home, indicating they take care of vacuuming the carpet?
- Do they have pets?
- Do they smoke?
Pets can wreak havoc on carpets. Their claws can cause pulls or tears, newborn puppies or kittens are likely to have accidents inside, and housebroken pets often come inside messy from inclement weather.
Smoking can also be harmful to the carpeting. New evidence suggests that even smokers who do not smoke in the residence still bring in smoke particles and carcinogens…or third hand smoke…into their living environments. These particles land on the carpeting and contribute to health problems and that smoky smell. When a smoker moves out, expect your next tenant to ask for the carpeting to be replaced.
If you determine your tenant to be rough on your carpets, smokes, or has pets, then choose a lower grade carpet and expect to replace it frequently.
If you don’t expect your tenant will cause excessive wear on the carpets and you have a no pets, no smoking policy, then spend some extra money and install a better grade carpet which will last longer.
What’s your average tenant turnover rate? If you average new tenants every 2 years, then invest in a lower grade carpet. If your tenants stick around for 5-10 years, then a better grade carpet is a good investment.
Secondly, consider the type of fiber the carpet is made of. Today there are numerous fiber carpets on the market and it can be confusing making a choice. Nylon is still considered the most durable and easiest carpet fiber to clean, which makes it the perfect choice for rental units.
Now, this isn’t to say you have to go with the bare bones nylon carpet that can look and feel industrial. You can still upgrade to a better nylon which will be just as durable and easy to maintain.
Thirdly, using good quality carpet padding can add years to the lifespan of your carpet. With typical apartment-grade plush carpet, a 7/16″ inch, 6-pound, rebond padding is commonly used in rentals. But also ask your trusted flooring provider for all your padding options as well as ways to save money.
Most importantly, do your research prior to making a carpet purchase for your apartment units. Find a trusted flooring provider and ask lots of questions.
Good tips Trevor, thanks! I find it amazing how downhill carpet quality has gone in recent years. I have a place built in 78 which still has original carpet and looks great. I’ve had it inspected and told not to replace it because it’s good, high quality carpet.
In contrast, newer carpets are made SOOO much cheaper. Your lucky to get 10 years out of a carpet these days, and most don’t even get five.
Thanks Nate! Ya, agreed… we just replaced this thick green shag carpet that was like 25 years old in a unit… and it was still in really good physical shape… just ugly as heck. The new carpet pile isn’t as thick and the replacement carpet was good quality carpet w/ a long warranty. Hey, we need to meet up one of these days… we’re only an hour away!