You may jeopardize your security deposit for many reasons, including breaking the lease early, damaging walls, or, in this case, not properly caring for the flooring inside your rental home. Follow along because today, we will cover everything you’ll need to know to take care of and protect the flooring in your rental home, brought to you by Buckeye Northwest Realty, a house for rent in Toledo, Ohio.

Pets

Well, it only makes sense to begin with the biggest issues pertaining to the flooring in your rental home, which, of course, is pets. There is a reason that landlords will require a pet deposit, increased rent, or many other fail-safes to protect their investment in a rental property. From peeing on carpets to scratching up floors or walls, pets can quickly do damage that adds up to a pretty penny. So one of the best things you as a responsible pet owner can do is make sure you know the habits of your pet and whether or not steps need to be taken to ensure they will not destroy the flooring (or anything else for that matter)

Carpets

If there is enough carpet throughout your apartment or rental home, getting your hands on a carpet cleaner may be a good idea. This can oftentimes be your best friend when it comes to getting stains and horrible smells left by food, drinks, pets, or kids. Always test whatever cleaner you use on the carpet in a small area to ensure it will not damage the carpet. It is also worth noting that you should never rub a stain. In almost all cases, the best action is to blot the area to remove any present stains without worsening the situation.

Wood Floor

Hardwood floors can look more durable than carpet, but this is not always true. Moisture can destroy a pretty wood floor, and any moisture can do the job. If pet urine, water, soda, or any other liquid sits on the wood too long, it will always damage it. This is especially true if it gets between the boards or down under them. So, make sure to clean up any spills immediately.

Tile

It takes a bit to do real damage when it comes to tile. Staining and gunk buildup can happen over time, but this doesn’t always cause long-term damage. Things falling hard on tile can sometimes chip or break it, and if the subfloor becomes exposed, water damage can occur, including mold, etc. So, it is suggested to put a mat in front of the sink to stop potential pots, pans, cups, or dishes from falling and smashing into the floor. If you notice any broken areas of tile, be sure to contact your landlord immediately and let them know so they can begin to plan to fix the issue before it gets any worse.

Cleaners

It is very important to know what kind of cleaners will work for the flooring you have in your house or apartment. Natural hardwood floors use different types of cleaners than laminate wood flooring. And, of course, carpets will have their specialized cleaners and cleaning methods. So do your homework so you never have to worry about causing damage to the flooring in your home.

Food For Thought

Think about doing things like laying down a welcome may or having visitors remove their shoes to protect and prolong the life of carpets. Maybe lay another carpet or carpet strip down in higher traffic areas to provide more protection. They even make plastic strips you can use to make that jump. No matter what kind of flooring you have in your apartment or house, one thing always remains the same. If they are not protected and cleaned, they will quickly fall apart and become one of the biggest eyesores in the place, not to mention could cost you your security deposit. So be sure always to follow our guide to make sure your floors stay tip-top!

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Buckeye Northwest Realty is Toledo, Ohio’s premier property management and home rental group. We have countless houses for rent in Toledo and the surrounding area. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your family!