Carpet in your Rental Property

You have a property and have installed new carpet for your tenants, it's fresh, clean and looks fantastic. The great thing about installing new carpet in a rental property, is that you can claim depreciation. You have about 10 years of depreciation but you would like it to last at least that, if not longer. So how can you keep it looking in great condition? You may want to offer some advice to your tenants on how to keep the brand new carpet clean. 

Offering a 'Tip Sheet' when they sign a lease is a way of getting your point across, and possibly having a clause in your lease agreement (if applicable in your state) that the carpet needs to be professionally cleaned upon vacancy.

Some tips that you could include to help your tenants include:

• Suggesting that everyone remove shoes on entering. (Should you demand tenants take off their shoes? If you have tried this approach, let me know, I would love to see how it worked. It's an extreme measure, but one that I can see the appeal of.)
• Regular vacuuming - Which without a doubt is the most important aspect of keeping carpet in good condition.
• Clean spills BEFORE they dry - Once spills have dried, they are much harder to take care of.
• Change furniture positioning - this means certain areas don't get over used (and as a bonus, the interior will feel different.)
• Regular periodic professional cleaning
• Provide a can of great carpet cleaner (this way you know that the product is right for the carpet and they have no excuse for not using any.)

Wool Carpet

If you have invested heavily in wool carpet then you are a very generous and forward thinking landlord. Wool carpet is expensive, but when looked after, will last a long time and looks great. You might want to provide the following tips for your tenants: 

You will be able to keep an eye on the carpet with your regular house inspections, which is another opportunity for you to share with your tenants the importance of looking after the carpet.

How have you had success in keeping your carpet in good condition for the long term?