Last Updated: July 2023
Kitchen faucets are a type of building fixture that gets very frequent use among residential apartment tenants. With so many different types of kitchen faucets on the market, choosing the right one for your rental property can be an overwhelming task. As a rental real estate investor, it is important to choose the right faucet that is aligns with your rental property objectives. For example, if your rental property is a luxury property, you may want to choose a premium product.
Top Kitchen Faucets for Rental Properties
Below we explore the top kitchen faucets for a rental property based on 5 different factors that are important to landlords and property managers for their rental properties.
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Rental Property Kitchen Faucet FAQ
What to Look for When Buying a Kitchen Faucet for a Rental Property?
Shopping for a kitchen faucet for your rental property apartment unit presents many options when preparing to buy. Among just the cosmetic appearance, there are a few main things to look out for when buying a rental property kitchen faucet. The main points include type of faucet, construction material, brand, and finish type. We examine each point below.
Types of Faucets
The easiest way to distinguish between different types of kitchen faucets is how they look. Each type has its own distinct look, along with pros and cons.
Pull Down Faucet
Pull down kitchen faucets are among the most popular types of kitchen faucets. They are a single post with a goose-neck spout that houses the retractable head with an attached extension hose. Pull down kitchen faucets provide a beautiful design with great functionality. A drawback of pull down faucets is that the retracting hose can wear out over time.
Single Handle Faucet
Single handle kitchen faucets are the most economical types of kitchen faucets. Single handle kitchen faucets can be distinguished with their usually short post with adjustment lever on top. Their simplicity and durability make them a favorite for landlords looking for an economical option. A drawback of single handle faucets is that switching between temperatures can be confusing.
Double Handle Faucet
Double handle faucets are a nice mix of design and functionality. They have a long gooseneck tap, along with 2 operating handles to control each temperature of water. A pro of double handle faucets is that they have separate controls for durability and ease of operation. A con of double handle faucets is that they can be pricey to repair, in which it is usually more economical to just replace the whole unit.
Hands-Free (Motion-Detect) Faucet
Hands free kitchen faucets come in standard shapes and designs as other options, however, they usually do not have an operating handle. These types of faucets are operated by a motion activated spout sensor typically located below the spout. Hands-free faucets are a hygienic and modern take on a classic kitchen centerpiece. They are also the most expensive type of faucet among it’s peers and can be difficult to repair due to the electronics used to operate.
Construction Material
Not all kitchen faucets are made of the obvious building material one would assume (hint: metal). In order to deliver cheaper cost options to consumers, manufacturers have begun making kitchen faucets that are actually made of plastic and then covered with a metal-looking finish. If possible, always try to purchase a kitchen faucet that is fully constructed (or at least mostly constructed) with metal. Kitchen faucets get a lot of use and even the most gentle tenants can quickly wear out a cheap faucet.
Brand
Back in the day, you would have to choose whatever the nearest hardware store had in stock for kitchen faucet options. Nowadays, online building product retailers such as Lowes or even Amazon have brought many new brand names of products into the market. When shopping for a new kitchen faucet, it may be worth the few extra minutes to take a look at the brand’s website and other offerings of products. If they manufacture inconsistent product types such as kitchen faucets and dog leashes too, that might be a sign of concern that their commitment to making quality plumbing fixtures may not be long term.
Faucet Finish Type
Choosing the finish type (i.e. color) of a kitchen faucet shouldn’t affect the functionality of the product, but can definitely improve a kitchen’s design if done right. A general rule of thumb when taking on a rental property construction upgrade is to try and match the faucet with the rest of the other fixtures, handles, and appliances. Below are a few of the most common kitchen faucet finish types along with some attributes of each:
- Black (or Oil Rubbed Bronze): Trendy color that is widely available. Can easily show dust and water marks.
- Brushed Nickel: Most common color available and is similar to stainless steel but at a cheaper price. Hides fingerprints and scratches.
- Chrome: Easily matches common kitchen cookware. Easily prone to showing fingerprints and scratches.
- Stainless Steel: Not prone to rust, very durable, and matches most appliances. Usually more expensive than alternatives.
What is the Cheapest Kitchen Faucet for a Rental Property?
It is important to not forget that rental properties are a business at the end of the day. This means that the property should (ideally) generate more revenue than expenses. Buying the cheapest fixture such as a kitchen faucet for an apartment unit is one way to practice good expense control habits as a landlord or property manager. While it might not be guaranteed to last forever, the lower price allowed for some extra money to be left over in your wallet. As of the time of this writing, the cheapest new kitchen faucet we have found is:
Susbie Deck Mount Kitchen Faucet with Pull Down Sprayer – Stainless Steel Color
Are Leaking and/or Dripping Faucets the Landlord Responsibility to Repair?
The short answer is, yes it is usually the Landlord’s responsibility to repair/replace anything that is installed within the actual structure or was included upon tenant possession of the rental. The caveat would be if it was destructively destroyed by the tenant or if it was stipulated in the lease agreement. If you have a leaking faucet or dripping faucet, it is best to first reach out to your landlord or property management company to see what they say about repairing it. Most should be more than willing to address the issue. Be sure to check your local laws for guidance, as most cities have outlined housing standards that address issues such as these.
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About the Author
Ryan Nelson
I’m an investor, real estate developer, and property manager with hands-on experience in all types of real estate from single family homes up to hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial real estate. RentalRealEstate is my mission to create the ultimate real estate investor platform for expert resources, reviews and tools. Learn more about my story.
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