She asked if she should get a runner rug to put on the stairs, or if there's a better solution.

For those that don't, going with a dark stain color can help to hide.Require the tenants to cover primary traffic routes with runners and the other areas with rugs. 

My breathing intensified and my heart raced and my eyes bulged out of my face. 

That one looks rugged! 

A few cheap throw rugs make it comfortable for the tenant in our few weeks of winter, and the concrete is nice and cool during our 11 1/2 warm months. :-)When you are ready to sell the property, consider all the other options.  

While we can technically get away with the thinking of having less restrictions, requiring more security, making demands such as life insurance being pledged on a key person as a borrower, drill down to the assumptions in commercial that allow greater leeway.A more sophisticated borrower, conducting business with a purpose to make a profit as compared to an unsophisticated borrower attempting to secure personal needs, such as housing.However, never think that "predatory dealing" or "predatory lending" or violations of fair trade, or what is customary for the size and scope of a transaction can be swept under the rug.  

Two of my friends text me photos when they are shopping for furniture, rugs, window treatments-so I can help them decide what to choose.

And yes, the floor would be cold in the winter (plan to put big comfy area rugs down too).I was thinking just what you said, @Rob Gribben, about filling in any spots where a tile already disappeared.

Here is what we put in our move out letter, which may be helpful to build on:Specifically, here's a list of items you should thoroughly clean before vacating:[ ] Floors[ ] sweep/mop laminate floors[ ] vacuum carpets and rugs (shampoo if necessary)[ ] mop kitchen and bathroom floors[ ] Walls, baseboards, ceilings, and built-in shelves[ ] Kitchen cabinets, countertops and sink, stove and oven--inside and out [ ] Refrigerator--clean inside and out, empty it of food[ ] Bathtubs, showers, toilets, and plumbing fixtures[ ] Doors, windows, and window coveringsPlease don't leave anything behind--that includes bags of garbage, clothes, food, newspapers, furniture, appliances, dishes, plants, cleaning supplies, or other items that belong to you.For move in, put all info in the rental agreement.  

Is some slick-talking Persian-bazaar rug-merchant of a real estate agent telling you this?