Switch from carpet to laminate - what to do with the stairs?

[Andrew S.]

I have a 2 story rental unit with laminate downstairs and carpet upstairs. I need to replace the carpet and I’m considering a switch to laminate upstairs also.

Currently, the staircase is carpet.  What are my options?  I’m told using laminate on the stairs is difficult/costly.  Is it feasible to just paint the stairs?  Or is that a safety hazard?