Owning rental property means walking the line between keeping units appealing and keeping maintenance calls to a minimum. The best landlords know that durable doesn’t have to mean boring. The right upgrades can protect your investment and attract quality tenants.
Here’s how to “tenant-proof” your multifamily property without sacrificing design.
1. Flooring That Lasts (and Looks Good)
Skip the carpet. It stains, wears quickly, and can trap odors. Instead, go with:
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Waterproof, scratch-resistant, and it looks like real wood. It’s a favorite among both landlords and tenants.
Tile in kitchens & baths: Classic, easy to clean, and holds up to moisture and spills.
2. Kitchen Materials That Can Take a Beating
Cabinets and countertops take daily abuse. Choose:
Shaker-style cabinets in durable finishes—white or gray are timeless and easy to touch up.
Butcher block or high-end laminate countertops—they look great, but don’t break the bank to replace. A less expensive granite is also a great option!
Stainless steel appliances are worth the upfront cost for longevity and tenant appeal.
3. Paint Smart
Use eggshell or satin finishes on walls—they're more washable than flat paint. Stick with neutral colors like light gray, beige, or soft white to brighten rooms and appeal to the widest range of renters.
4. Fixtures That Don’t Fail
Swap out cheap faucets, showerheads, and light fixtures with mid-grade options that can survive everyday use. Matte black and brushed nickel are modern, on-trend, and don’t show fingerprints like chrome.
5. Lock It Down
Install keypad locks or smart locks for easy rekeying between tenants. It saves time, improves security, and adds a premium touch.
6. Bonus: Make It Easy to Clean
Choose window blinds instead of curtains. Install bath fans on timers. Add baseboard trim that’s easy to mop around. All of these little touches help tenants take better care of the space—and reduce calls to you.
Final Thought
Tenant-proofing doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means choosing materials and finishes that look good, clean easily, and stand up to real-world use. With the right strategy, you’ll save money, boost tenant satisfaction, and extend the life of your investment.