If you own or have ever owned a rental property, you've probably witnessed both the benefits of additional income, and perhaps also the nightmares that can come when things don't go according to plan with your property. Based on some of our own experiences and those of others, we've put together some of the spookiest, most goosebump-inspiring scenarios that can happen to an owner or landlord.
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1.Water Damage
All it takes is one flooding event on your property for you to be out THOUSANDS of dollars! Floors may need to be replaced, appliances can be completely ruined, and the very structure of your property can be threatened. Aside from having proper insurance, especially in areas prone to severe weather, owners can opt to use flooring options that may be able to withstand minor levels of flooding if it were to occur. Remember, stone tile and vinyl are your friends when it comes to low absorption!
2. Carpets Stained
Beyond Repair
Carpet is a great choice for parts of a family-home, but when it comes to rental properties with high turnover, you may want to think twice. Carpet not only holds onto stains, but also smells. If you go with a hard surface, like an inexpensive laminate, you can more easily provide a fresh start for each new tenant. And hey, if a renter prefers a plush floor, they can always bring in a rug or two of their own!
3. Renters Hosting
a "Few Too Many" Friends
We all love a good party, right? Well, maybe not certain kinds of parties that may go on at a home we're renting out. We can of course, be sure to include certain parameters in our contracts about illegal behaviors, but we may still find ourselves needing to hire a cleaning crew after move-out date due to extra wear and tear.
4. Trashed Bathrooms
Ugh, bathrooms! It's hard enough to deal with the stress of maintaining our own personal bathrooms, but when it comes to our rental properties, we have to have a plan of action.
It seems the motto for rental bathrooms should be, "less is more". For starters - the fewer grout lines, the better! Choosing larger tile or vinyl plank will keep dirt and buildup from being permanently absorbed. Linoleum is also a good option for easy cleanup here!
5. Tenants Who Didn't Abide by the "No Pets" Rule
Now for one of our own horror stories! After deciding to relocate to a new state for work, we finally arrived at the new place we'd be renting for the year. We couldn't wait to move into the nice house we'd seen on the internet during the months prior. As we opened the door, we were greeted with the most potent smell of cat urine!!! Unbeknownst to the landlord, the old tenants had broken their NO PETS rule. Lucky for us, Flooring Direct Temecula's excellent prices and quick turnaround provided all of us with new carpet that very same week. Checking a property in-person, prior to move-in-day is A MUST!
Do you have rental property horror stories to share? Leave them in the comments below and we may feature it in a future post!If you're in Southern California, check out www.flooringintemeculaca.com for all your flooring needs!