Choosing the right type of flooring in your rentals can be a big decision. Not only does it make a huge difference in the appeal of your units, but also the cost it takes to maintain it.

Of the most popular flooring installations these days, carpet still takes the cake in terms of its market share – something around 60% of material used to floor property is still carpet. But in addition, vinyl is making moves in a huge way in the industry, becoming one of the prime choices of those looking to update their properties in any number of rooms.

So why is vinyl making such headway? Because of the state of the economy these days, being aware of expense has made the consumer more savvy to items that give them more bang for their buck – both now with the price of the materials, but also ongoing in terms of maintenance and other ancillary costs like heating. This is good news since it means what’s trendy now won’t be frivolous and will end up being a good investment for years to come.

Vinyl is easy to clean and can fit into any unit, décor notwithstanding. It’s one of the most versatile, comfortable, and stain-resistant types of flooring possible – a property manager’s dream. Plus, vinyl these days is such a chameleon product. It can morph into whatever other floor you’d like it to resemble: wood, stone, or tile for example. And these types of luxury doppelganger vinyl are priced at a range that still puts them well in the center of the flooring cost spectrum.

Vinyl also stands up to moisture better than wood, making it a good choice in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas of a home prone to exposure to the elements. And for chilly days, vinyl “tile” flooring in bathrooms is less cold underfoot. So as summer falls into winter, you have a good option for your next renovations.