When setting up an investment property, design choices can make or break your long-term returns. The goal isn’t just to make a space look nice for photos, it’s to build interiors that appeal to quality tenants, minimise maintenance, and stay looking new for years.

Here’s how to design a tenant-proof property that looks great, functions well, and helps you attract (and keep) responsible renters.

1. Choose Durable, Washable Paint Finishes

Skip flat or matte paints, which mark easily and are tough to clean. Instead, use eggshell or satin finishes on walls – they’re wipeable and still have a soft, modern look. For trim and doors, semi-gloss is best because it resists scuffs and fingerprints.

Stick to neutral tones like soft greys, warm whites, or greige. They photograph well, appeal to a wide range of tenants, and make touch-ups easy between renters.

Benjamin Moore “Edgecomb Gray” (HC-173) – A warm greige that balances beige and gray.

Sherwin-Williams “Agreeable Gray” (SW 7029) – A light, modern gray with subtle warmth. One of the most universally appealing neutrals for rentals.

Sherwin-Williams “Light French Gray” (SW 0055) – A calm, medium-light neutral gray that leans a touch cool.

2. Select Flooring That Can Handle Heavy Use

Flooring is one of the first things to wear out in a rental. You want something durable, water-resistant, and easy to replace.

• Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is one of the best options for rentals. It’s affordable, scratch-resistant, waterproof, and available in modern finishes that mimic hardwood.
• Tile works well in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways — but choose matte finishes or textured surfaces that hide dirt and reduce slipping.
• Avoid carpet whenever possible. It stains easily, holds odours, and requires frequent replacement.

If you do need carpet for select darker, neutral tones in a low-pile, high-traffic grade. Using area rugs in key spots can also help reduce wear on permanent flooring.

3. Pick Durable Countertops and Cabinets

Tenants may not treat surfaces as carefully as homeowners. When renovating or updating, choose materials that can take some abuse.

• Laminate countertops are affordable and come in great modern designs – a perfect choice for entry-level rentals.
• Quartz is more expensive but virtually maintenance-free and adds perceived value in higher-end units.
• Cabinets with durable finishes (such as thermofoil or melamine) are easy to wipe down and won’t chip like painted wood.

Install soft-close hinges and drawer slides – they prevent damage and add a higher-end feel without a big cost increase.

4. Keep Fixtures Simple, Functional, and Replaceable

Choose fixtures that look clean and modern but don’t require speciality parts to repair.

• Stick with standard-sized faucets and light fixtures available at major retailers – easy to replace if damaged.
• Use LED bulbs and fixtures with consistent colour temperatures for a bright, cohesive look.
• Avoid overly trendy styles that could date the space quickly.

The goal is a timeless, neutral look that feels intentional but isn’t high-maintenance to keep up.

5. Use Durable Hardware and Finishes

Small details go a long way toward perceived quality. Choose hardware that’s strong, simple, and uniform throughout the property.

• Matte black, brushed nickel, or chrome finishes wear well and are easy to match later.
• Avoid brass or coloured finishes that chip or go out of style.
• Replace hollow interior door handles with solid ones – they last longer and feel better to tenants.

6. Plan for Easy Maintenance and Long-Term Upkeep

Think ahead about cleaning, repairs, and the general wear that comes with tenant turnover. The goal is to design a property that stays looking fresh with minimal effort and predictable upkeep costs.

When choosing window coverings, opt for simple, neutral curtains or sturdy blinds that can be easily cleaned or replaced between tenants. Avoid anything too delicate or custom-sized – it’s better to choose affordable, replaceable options that look clean and modern.

Always leave access panels for shutoffs or plumbing when finishing basements or bathrooms. It makes future repairs faster and prevents damage from unnecessary drywall cuts.

Keep a record of your paint colours, flooring SKUs, and fixture types in one place so you can easily match them for touch-ups or replacements later.

It’s also wise to create a maintenance plan and reserve fund from day one. Setting aside even 5–10% of your monthly rent helps cover future upgrades without financial stress. As a general guide:

• Repaint walls: every 3–5 years, or as needed between tenants.
• Replace flooring: every 10–15 years for vinyl or laminate, sooner for carpeted areas.
• Update appliances: every 8–12 years, depending on use and brand quality.
• Inspect caulking, grout, and seals: annually to prevent water damage.

Consistent, proactive maintenance saves you far more than last-minute repairs and keeps your property appealing to high-quality tenants.

7. Add Style Without Over-Spending

Durable doesn’t have to mean boring. You can still create an inviting space by focusing on small design touches that don’t add maintenance:

• Use statement lighting in key areas (like dining spaces or entryways).
• Add modern hardware and consistent finishes throughout.
• Choose neutral backdrops and bring personality through staging or décor — items that can easily be swapped between tenants.

These subtle upgrades make your property stand out in photos and justify higher rent without creating long-term upkeep costs.

The Bottom Line

Designing for rentals is all about balance – durability, cost-efficiency, and broad appeal. Choose finishes that are timeless, easy to maintain, and built to handle everyday use. When done right, you’ll spend less on repairs, attract better tenants, and protect your property’s long-term value.

Stay ahead of repairs and protect your investment with this schedule. Use it to plan regular upkeep, prevent costly issues, and budget for upcoming maintenance.