Drop ceilings in rental properties ( what are they hiding)

[Albert Gallucci]

I noticed many of the multi-family properties for sale in my area have drop ceilings. These are older homes as are most of the homes in the area, over 50 years old". Is a drop ceiling much cheaper than covering a bad ceiling with 1/4' drywall? obviously cheaper than stripping it down to the studs and re-rocking, but I am wondering if there are other issues I should be wary of? would love some input from someone who has been down this road.

[Payton Haight]

Hi Albert, I like drop ceilings (when I am looking at purchasing a property) because I can see what is going on behind them. I would imagine original plaster ceilings were probably damaged at some point and it is relatively easy to install a drop ceiling to cover them and/or the owner wanted to keep 'access' to some areas. I had a drop ceiling in one of my 1920's duplexes. The previous owner had installed the drop ceiling themself. We did not have any issues drywalling it. You will have to assess the 'why' the best you can.