Is laminate flooring for a rental a wise choice

[Guy Ferraiolo]

I'm rehabbing a retail flip at the same time I'm renovating a two unit rental property.  After lots of thought I and my designer have selected an awesome laminate for the flip.  It's reasonably priced, looks awesome and has the maximum possible wear rating (AC5).  It also has a tile version which we will use for the laundry room of the flip.

This is the laminate.

https://www.lumberliquidators.com/ll/c/Boardwalk-O...

The question is: should I use the same laminate in the two unit rental?

There are lots of warnings about not wet mopping a laminate floor.  How does this work for a rental?  Does anyone have any experience with using laminate with tenants?  Do they soak the floor?  Does an occasional mopping really do damage?  Do you have any actual experience with this?  It's hard to differentiate between manufacturers' warnings that are extra cautious to avoid liability and real issues.

I'm currently running a sample of the flooring under a water faucet in an attempt to see what happens.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Thomas S.]

IF the laminate has a paper type substrate it will blister along any seams that get wet. Mopping, spilt water, pet pee will all result in unsightly swelling at seams that does not go away. I would not recommend it in a rental property.

You need to use solid vinyl flooring that is 100% water proof. The literature says it is moisture resistant not water proof.