When you let a property, you’ll likely be torn between wanting to install good quality, hardwearing flooring and trying not to waste your money on fixtures that will be ruined by tenants. So how can you protect the flooring in your rental property?

Specialist landlord insurance provider Just Landlords knows how important it is for landlords to protect their investments. Rose Jinks, on behalf of the firm, has worked with us to advise landlords on how they can protect their flooring:

Start With The Basics

It’s a simple step, but putting a doormat down in your property will encourage tenants to keep the floors clean and tidy. It will also help to prevent them wearing shoes throughout the house, which can cause significant damage. Pick up some cheap doormats (one for the front door, one for the back door) and put them in the property before you let it to new tenants.

Think About The Furniture

If you have wood floors, furniture can be one of the greatest causes of scratches and dents in the flooring. Another cheap step is to buy some protective caps or patches for the bottom of the furniture. These simply fit onto the legs of chairs, tables, dressing tables, etc. and prevent damage to the floor. You should put these on all of the pieces of furniture that you provide for tenants, and also write into the tenancy agreement that any furniture brought by the tenants should also have protective coverings.

Provide The Right Equipment

If you have high quality, expensive flooring in your property, then the last thing you want is for your tenants to use cheap, damaging products to clean it. Providing them with the right cleaning equipment – such as a brush with soft bristles, or a specialist mop – will help to avoid issues arising through maintenance of the flooring. If there are certain products that can’t be used on the floor, you should also state this in the tenancy agreement. If any damage is then caused through harmful products, the tenant can be held responsible.

Say No To Larger Pets

Allowing pets such as dogs in your rental property can be damaging at the best of times, never mind if you have a nice, good quality floor installed. It’s not rare for landlords to deny pets, so don’t feel that you will be blocking off a stream of potential tenants. Simply state that you do not accept pets in your property, and you won’t have to deal with the scratches and scuffs caused by four-legged friends.

Encourage Your Tenants

If you have a good relationship with your tenants, it shouldn’t be difficult for you to mention that you’d like them to remove their shoes at the door and not wear them throughout the property. Even at viewings, you can request that prospective renters take their shoes off before walking around the home. This will help to prevent scrapes and indentations (especially if they frequently wear high heels!).

Move The Furniture

In between tenancies or during a long tenancy, you should consider moving the furniture around in each room to make sure that no damage occurs through pieces standing in one spot for a prolonged period of time. For example, some discolouration may arise if an area is cut off from the sun, or particularly deep dents may occur if a heavy object is sat in one position. Consider rearranging each room, or just moving one particular piece, to make sure that certain areas don’t suffer.

Remember To Cover Up When Decorating

As a landlord, it’s often your job to complete both small and large maintenance tasks, including decorating. Whenever you begin a job, remember to consider whether the flooring might be exposed to damage in the area you’re addressing. This is especially important if you are painting a room, drilling walls or installing new fixtures. All you need to do to ensure that your flooring remains safe is to cover it with a hardwearing sheet. You should also explain to your tenants that they will be liable to any damage caused to the floors while completing their own maintenance tasks.

Follow these tips if you rent a property, and your flooring will be safe and strong!

Have Your Say

Are you a landlord and have any tips to share with us about protecting your property? Share with us in the comment below!

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