Laminate vs tile

[Michael Win]

BP,

Thoughts on what to put down for flooring.  Just closed on 6 duplexes this past Friday.  Each  of the 12 units rent for about $800 on avg.  There are 2 vacant ones that should rent very quickly.  The previous management/owner cared for these places slum lord like.  

Without any advertisement, there is already an interested party that want to rent one of the units that is pretty trashed.  I will be putting about 6-8k to replaced the carpet, fix all wall holes, new appliances, paint cabinets, redo counter, redo the bathroom.

I am trying to decide between putting tile (18x18) throughout vs tile in wet area + Laminate.  The cost difference is minimal.  

Renters here are working lower class.  Avg rent is $800/unit right now but that is below market.  I have a unit that will be out of contract at the end of the month and the renter already want to relet for 2 yrs from the current $750 to $875.  This is without any repairs done and looks pretty worn down.   I believe $875 will be the minimum rate when all leases expire.

Would you do tile throughout that will last forever and repair simple.  Or do you think putting in laminate in dry areas would would allow me to rent the places at a higher price to justify the cost of repair/maintenance?  I am not even sure if laminate would even bring a premium.

I am leaning towards the tile.

[Jason Allen Taylor]

IMO tenants do not care about why you want to charge more, or about your maintenance costs. They primarily care about comparing the available properties in the market and getting one at a competitive price that is aesthetically pleasing to them.

Between the two options given I'd choose tile without doubt in wet areas. In dry areas I'd go with tile if it is commonly used and acceptable flooring in your market. In Michigan almost no one has tile in living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms etc., but I would assume it's more generally accepted in Texas.