Attorney · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2018 · 12 posts · 4 votes
I have a suburban Cincinnati duplex that is turning over a tenant next month. I'd appreciate any feedback on whether carpet or some type of LVT plank flooring option is the way to go for the main portion of the unit (everything but the bedrooms). The duplex is a 3/2 in a B+ / A- neighborhood / school district and rents in the $1,550 range. I'm aware of the pros & cons of each flooring option, just looking more for input on renter trends, your experience converting to LVT, etc.
Rental Property Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2016 · 361 posts · 394 votes
7y
In that class of neighborhood, I believe renters are going to be looking for the luxury vinyl. The unit will be easier to rent and you will probably be able to charge slightly more. Given that the useful lifetime of vinyl plank is significantly longer than carpet, at the end of the day it's the better investment IMO. This is why pretty much all deal sponsors I know are going with luxury vinyl.
Rental Property Investor · Sumter, SC · Member since 2015 · 334 posts · 531 votes
7y
I'm a vinyl plank fan too. I use it everywhere, bedrooms included. Tenants have liked that it's much easier to keep clean, and they can put an area or throw rug down if they want to for softness/color. The vinyl plank has held up very well to pets and kids, where carpet would be trashed in no time.
Rental Property Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 128 posts · 84 votes
7y
LVT for sure! Don't get me wrong I like carpet because it's more comfortable to walk on and doesn't get cold in the winter BUT for a rental LVT without question. Tenants wont take care of your carpet and things will spill and stain it, plus you'll get to redo it every 5-10 years. If they want carpet they can go get a big area rug. IF you choose to go with carpet I would only do the Master bedroom. LVT is tenant-proof.
@Jay Stewart definitely lvp & as stated, keep a few extra planks at minimum. Recently my go to colour was discontinued and all I have are 2 planks for ... 4 units I think. Could get hairy if I need a patch in the future, may end up having to reuse something pulled from a closet or similar.