Carpet vs Laminate Flooring: Which Is Better for a Rental Property?

Both carpet and laminate have their advantages when used in rental properties.

Generally, laminate flooring is practical, durable and easy to clean, while carpet can make bedrooms and living areas feel warmer and more comfortable.

The best option will depend on the room and the type of rental property you own.

Let's look at the pros and cons of each.

Laminate Flooring for Rental Properties

Laminate flooring has become a popular choice for landlords because it can provide a modern appearance while being relatively straightforward to maintain.

Benefits of Laminate Flooring for Landlords

Easy to Clean

One of the biggest advantages of laminate flooring in a rental property is how easy it is to clean.

Spills, dirt and everyday marks can generally be dealt with quickly, making laminate particularly practical for:

• Hallways
• Kitchens
• Dining areas
• Living rooms
• Properties with pets
• High-traffic areas

For landlords managing properties between tenancies, easy-to-maintain flooring can make the turnaround process more straightforward.

Modern Appearance

Laminate can give a rental property a contemporary appearance and can replicate the look of materials such as timber without the same level of maintenance associated with some natural flooring options.

Neutral laminate flooring can also work well with a variety of furniture and décor, making it easier for prospective tenants to visualise themselves living in the property.

Durable for Everyday Use

Good-quality laminate can cope well with everyday foot traffic, making it an appealing option for busy rental properties.

However, landlords should choose flooring appropriate for the property rather than simply selecting the cheapest option available. Cheaper products may not provide the durability required for a high-traffic rental.

Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring

It Can Feel Colder

Unlike carpet, laminate doesn't provide the same soft and warm feeling underfoot.

This can be particularly noticeable in bedrooms during colder months.

Less Cosy

For bedrooms and some living spaces, carpet can create a softer and more comfortable atmosphere than hard flooring.

If you're marketing a property where creating a warm and homely feel is important, carpet may have an advantage.

Can Be Damaged

Although laminate can be durable, it isn't indestructible.

Heavy furniture, scratches, moisture and impact can potentially damage the surface. Replacing individual sections can also depend on the type of flooring originally installed.

Carpet in Rental Properties

Carpet remains a popular choice for landlords, particularly in bedrooms and living rooms.

It can make a property feel warmer, softer and more comfortable, which may help create a positive impression during viewings.

Benefits of Carpet for Landlords

Creates a Cosier Feel

Carpet can make bedrooms and living spaces feel more comfortable and inviting.

For rental properties, this can be particularly useful when you're trying to create a welcoming atmosphere for prospective tenants.

Warmer Underfoot

Carpet generally feels warmer underfoot than laminate, making it a popular choice for bedrooms.

A good-quality carpet combined with suitable underlay can also help improve the overall feeling of warmth and comfort within a room.

Can Help Reduce Noise

Carpet can help absorb sound, which can be particularly useful in bedrooms, upstairs rooms and properties where noise reduction is important.

This can be a consideration for landlords with flats, apartments or properties with multiple occupants.

Disadvantages of Carpet in Rental Properties

Requires More Maintenance

Carpet can require more care than laminate flooring.

It can collect dirt, stains and general wear over time, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Landlords may therefore need to factor professional carpet cleaning into their property maintenance and tenancy turnaround costs.

Can Show Wear

Carpet can become visibly worn in areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.

Hallways and stairs are particularly susceptible to wear, which is why some landlords choose harder-wearing flooring in these areas.

Stains Can Be Difficult to Remove

Spills and stains can sometimes be difficult to remove completely from carpet.

For rental properties where durability and easy cleaning are priorities, laminate or another hard-wearing flooring option may therefore be preferable in certain rooms.

Carpet or Laminate: Which Is Better for Each Room?

Rather than choosing one flooring type for the entire property, landlords can consider which option works best for each room.

Room	Potentially suitable option	Why
Bedroom	Carpet	Warm, soft and comfortable
Living room	Carpet or laminate	Depends on property style and target tenant
Hallway	Laminate	Easy to clean and practical
Kitchen	Laminate	Easy to maintain
Dining area	Laminate	Practical for spills and everyday use
Stairs	Carpet	Soft, warm and helps reduce noise

The right choice will depend on the property, its layout, expected tenant demographic and budget.

What Should Landlords Consider When Choosing Flooring?

Before replacing flooring in a rental property, consider more than just how it looks.

1. The Type of Property

A family house may need different flooring from a city-centre apartment or student property.

Think about how the property is likely to be used and what level of everyday wear the flooring will need to withstand.

2. Your Target Tenant

Consider who is most likely to rent the property.

For example, families may appreciate practical, easy-to-clean flooring, while tenants looking for a comfortable home may prefer carpet in bedrooms and living spaces.

3. Maintenance Costs

Look at the longer-term cost rather than simply the initial installation price.

Consider:

• Cleaning
• Repairs
• Replacement
• Expected lifespan
• Installation
• Maintenance between tenancies

The cheapest flooring isn't necessarily the most cost-effective option for a landlord.

4. The Overall Appearance

Your flooring should complement the rest of the property.

Neutral colours and timeless styles can often be a sensible choice for rental properties because they appeal to a wider range of prospective tenants.

5. The Rental Market

Before making significant improvements, consider what tenants in your local area are looking for.

A property in Cardiff may appeal to a different tenant demographic from a family rental in Newport or a property in another part of South Wales.

A local letting agent can provide useful insight into what features are likely to appeal to tenants in your area.

Should Landlords Choose Carpet or Laminate?

There isn't a universal answer.

Laminate may be the better option if you prioritise:

• Easy cleaning
• A modern appearance
• Practicality
• Durability
• High-traffic areas
• Straightforward maintenance

Carpet may be the better option if you prioritise:

• Warmth
• Comfort
• A cosy appearance
• Noise reduction
• Bedrooms and living spaces

For many rental properties, a combination of both can work particularly well.

For example, laminate flooring could be used in hallways and kitchens, while carpet is used in bedrooms and living areas.

Flooring and Property Management

Flooring is just one of the many maintenance decisions landlords need to make when managing a rental property.

Regular inspections and good property management can help identify worn or damaged flooring before it becomes a bigger issue.

A professional property management company can also help landlords coordinate maintenance, contractors and repairs, making it easier to keep a rental property in good condition.

At RedKey, we support landlords across Cardiff, Newport and South Wales with professional letting and property management services.

From finding tenants and managing viewings to maintenance, inspections and ongoing tenancy management, our team can help take the day-to-day work out of being a landlord.

Let RedKey Help Manage Your Rental Property

Choosing the right flooring is ultimately about finding the balance between appearance, durability, tenant appeal and long-term value.

For landlords, the best flooring isn't necessarily the most expensive option. It is the flooring that works for the property, the target tenant and the demands of everyday rental use.

If you're a landlord in Cardiff, Newport or South Wales and would like advice on preparing your property for new tenants, RedKey can help.

Our experienced team provides letting and property management services designed to make renting out your property simpler and more straightforward.

Get in touch with RedKey today to discuss your rental property and find out how we can help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring in Rental Properties

Is carpet or laminate better for a rental property?

Both can work well in rental properties. Laminate is generally easier to clean and can be practical in high-traffic areas, while carpet offers warmth and comfort and can be particularly suitable for bedrooms.

Is laminate flooring good for rental properties?

Yes. Laminate can be a practical choice for rental properties because it is relatively easy to clean and can provide a modern appearance. The quality and suitability of the flooring should be considered before installation.

Should landlords put carpet in bedrooms?

Carpet can be a popular choice for rental bedrooms because it provides warmth, comfort and a softer surface underfoot. However, the best option depends on the property and its target tenants.

What flooring is easiest to maintain in a rental property?

Hard flooring such as laminate is generally easier to clean than carpet. This can make it particularly practical for kitchens, hallways and other high-traffic areas.

Should landlords replace flooring between tenants?

Not necessarily. Flooring should be assessed based on its condition, age, cleanliness and expected lifespan. If it is worn, damaged or no longer presents the property well, replacement may be worth considering before re-letting.

Can a letting agent advise landlords on property improvements?

Yes. An experienced letting agent can provide insight into tenant expectations and the local rental market, helping landlords decide which improvements are likely to provide value and improve the property's appeal.

Can a property management company arrange flooring repairs or replacement?

Depending on the service provided, a property management company can coordinate maintenance and contractors on a landlord's behalf, including flooring repairs or replacement where required.