Bath tub in a rental

[Matthew Brill]

I just bought a triplex in South Florida as a house hack. One of the units that will be occupied by a tenant needs a new bath tub. It currently has a bath tub with tile. The tile is in good shape but the tub needs replacement. I'm not sure which is the best tenant proof and efficient way to replace the tub. I'm not very familiar with rehab and construction. The contractor I'm working with said I could just replace the tub and lowest row of tile or remove the tub and tile and install a tub that comes with a fiberglass encasing. He stated that the tub with encasing would cost a little more but last longer with less maintenance. 

What have you found with regards to this? Are there any specific tubs that you would recommend?

Thanks!

[Alex Saleeby]

Matthew Brill another option is tub reglazing. If the tub is in good physical shape (I.e. No cracks or serious damage) reglazing might be an option so you don't have to remove the tile etc. I did that for one of my rentals and the tub looks like new again. It cost me around $400.

If you end up removing and reapplying the tiles, be sure to seal the new grout to waterproof it. This is easy to do with off the shelf sealant and an applicator.