Last year U.S. News reported that 26% of people have lost their security deposits at one point or another. One of the biggest reasons is because of the property condition when they move out. The flooring of your apartment is an area that’s very likely to suffer more than normal wear and tear, unless they are well taken care of during the lease.
The team here at Apartments.com has put together a list of top tips for general care as well as tips that are specific to different types of flooring.
A Special Note for People with Pets
There’s a reason landlords ask that you pay a separate pet deposit when moving into an apartment – namely the floors. Between cats that mark on carpets, dogs that have trouble holding their bladders all day while you’re at work and claws digging into wood floors, there’s a good chance the flooring is going to get damaged.
If your pet has house training issues, it may be best to crate them while they’re in the house. It’s also important to get them on a schedule for both walks and feeding to minimize the potential for accidents.
Tips for All Types of Flooring
Regular Cleaning is Key
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure for sure when it comes to your floors. Regular cleaning at least once a week is necessary to keep stains from setting in and grime from building up. Wood floors also need regular cleaning to keep dirt and sand from grinding into the floorboards.
Lay Out a Welcome Mat
A welcome mat is an easy way to encourage guests to wipe off their feet instead of tracking dirt inside. Plus, it’s a great way to create an inviting space and show off your style.
Put Rugs in Heavy Foot Traffic Areas
Hallways, the front entrance and the living room are all high foot traffic areas that could benefit from a throw rug or runner. It will prevent carpets from getting dirty.
Tips for Maintaining Wood Floors
- Clean up any water immediately. Nothing damages wood faster than moisture, especially if it gets down in between the boards.
- Use furniture pads to keep from creating scratches.
- Use the right kind of cleaner. Ask the owner or property manager what type of wood flooring and finish you have in your apartment in order to find an appropriate cleaning product.
Tips for Maintaining Carpet Flooring
- Get a specialized carpet cleaner that’s powerful at lifting stains, yet won’t cause discoloration or harm the fibers.
- When moving in or moving out, use a carpet film protector.
- If pets do tinkle on the carpet, clean it immediately and use an enzyme-based pet odor remover.
- Never rub a stain. Instead, blot it with a cloth or paper towel so that the stain doesn’t spread on the carpet and set.
Tips for Maintaining Tile Floors
- Put a floor mat down at the kitchen sink. When doing dishes, there’s a good chance that plates, bowls and pans may drop and shatter. A floor mat will help to provide protection for tile floors.
- If there are cracks, chips or missing sections of the grout, be careful about water penetration which can damage the subfloor. Let the property manager know that the grout is damaged so it can be repaired.
No matter what type of flooring is in your apartment, be sure to note any issues when moving in so that they don’t get pinned on you whenever you move out. Request that the landlord sends an Inventory and Condition Form, so that you can document how the floors look when you move in. It’s also best to take pictures of any stains, scuffs or cracks that are there when you take possession of the apartment.
