If you’re a landlord updating a rental flat or investment property, flooring is one of the most important decisions you’ll face. It needs to be durable, low maintenance, budget-friendly, and still look smart enough to attract quality tenants.

Two of the most common options are vinyl and laminate. But which one is better suited for rental homes? Let’s break it down.

Durability

Laminate: Highly scratch-resistant and ideal for everyday foot traffic. However, it doesn’t fare well in rooms with moisture: water spills can cause warping.

Vinyl: Especially LVT or sheet vinyl, is fully water-resistant. It holds up well in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility areas, where damp might be a factor.

Winner: Vinyl in moisture-prone spaces; Laminate works well in lounges and bedrooms.

Installation & Cost

Both are affordable and fast to install, ideal for quick turnarounds between tenants. However, vinyl is often more forgiving on older or uneven floors, requiring less prep work.

Winner: Vinyl, especially in older rental properties.

Style & Finish

Laminate tends to mimic real wood more convincingly and adds a premium feel in living areas.
Vinyl, on the other hand, offers a wider variety of finishes: stone, wood, or ceramic styles and works well in any room.

Winner: Draw - both can deliver modern, stylish finishes that appeal to renters.

Maintenance & Lifespan

Laminate can last over a decade with proper care, but moisture is its weak spot.
Vinyl is more durable in tough rental environments: spills, muddy shoes, and all. It’s easier to clean and generally more forgiving.

Winner: Vinyl, for hassle-free upkeep.

Conclusion:

If you're choosing flooring for a rental property, vinyl flooring takes the lead overall, especially in high-traffic or wet areas, where ease of maintenance matters. But laminate flooring still holds its own in dry, main living spaces where you want a polished, cost-effective finish.

Using both strategically in different rooms could give you the best balance of cost, style, and tenant-proof durability.

Need help deciding? Explore our vinyl flooring installation and laminate flooring services to find the best fit for your next rental refresh.