Investment Properties – Carpets, Investments properties and Landlords are not always happy partners

Choosing what floor covering to use in an investment property is important for the long-term presentation and maintenance. It may be an “easy choice” or a “quick fix “ and looks FAB when it is laid but from our experience at Kathryn Hall Real Estate we have discovered the hard way, that carpets can be a nightmare for the landlord and for the tenant.

Here are some of the issues we have had to deal with

1. Allergy to carpet and dust – the resident has issues
2. The carpet collects dust that turns to mould- an even bigger issue with residents
3. Steam cleaning is good for the first time- any other steam clean will not necessary present at as well
4. Stains: Red wine, tea, coffee, dog and cat hair plus the other “accidents “ that our 4 legged friends make and sometimes the 2 legged humans do as well.
5. Most Australians do not take their shoes off at the front door L
6. Wear and tear L
7. Smells: Carpets catch smells from our 4 legged friends plus the bigger 2 legged types as well. A bad smelling carpet can hold an odor for a long time
8. Most carpet cleaners are chemical and not (so) good for our environment
9. Toxin: Formaldehyde is the basic glue that keeps the carpet together and this is one extremely serious toxin (best to google it to discover for yourself)

By now you may be getting the idea that if we, at Kathryn Hall Real Estate, can persuade our owners and developers NOT to include carpet in their rental investment properties we will!

Carpet has its place but not in a rental property. The “wear and tear” aspect is problematic, as this has to be taken into account when a tenant moves out. Each and every property, unless brand new, will have a “wear and tear” guideline. Your property agent needs to be very explicit in regard to carpet and keep detailed and (very) clear evidence of the condition of the carpet. Carpet is only new for one tenancy.

Our suggestion is to consider, vinyl, floorboards, bamboo flooring, polished concrete and anything else but carpet J

DISCLAIMER

The information in this article is of a general nature. While care has been taken preparing this information The Kathryn Hall Agency does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any other purpose that the article may be used. Kathryn Hall Real Estate accepts no liability for any loss or damage (whether caused by negligence or not) resulting from use of information.