Last Updated: April 2024
Toilets are a standard building fixture that everyone uses but never truly appreciates its importance until it doesn’t work anymore. Thankfully, toilets generally have simple functionality and don’t break often. Toilets backing up is another topic. Installing the right toilet in a rental property can drastically reduce maintenance requests and improve the overall tenant experience.
Best Rental Property Toilets
| Best Overall | Best Economy | Best Premium | Best Smart | Best Commercial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Kohler – Highline Arc 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Elongated |  Glacier Bay – 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Round |  Toto – UltraMax II 1-Piece 1.28 GPF Elongated |  Woodbridge – B0960S – 1.6 GPF Smart Bidet Seat | .jpg) American Standard – Madera Elongated |
Below we explore the top 5 toilets for rental properties based on 5 different factors that landlords and property managers should consider when determining which type of toilet is best for their rental property investment.
Best Overall
Buying Options
Kohler – Highline Arc 2-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Elongated Toilet
Type
Elongated Bowl, 2-Piece, Residential
Pros
- Water-efficient 1.28 GPF design saves up to 16,500 Gal. annually.
- Complete Solution package ensures hassle-free installation with all essentials included.
Cons
- Higher cost when compared to cheaper budget models.
- 2-piece toilet design might be less sleek than 1-piece models.
Why We Like This Overall Toilet
This Kohler toilet is our top pick for a toilet that delivers overall quality, stylish design, and durability, from one the most most reputable plumbing fixture brands.
Best Economy
Buying Options
Glacier Bay – 2-Piece 1.28 GPF High Efficiency Single Flush Round Toilet
Type
Round Bowl, 2-Piece, Residential
Pros
- Affordable price provides a cost-effective bathroom solution.
- Strong flushing power (1.28 GPF) ensures optimal performance.
Cons
- Potentially lacking in long-term durability with high tenant-usage.
- Two-piece design may be less sleek than one-piece models.
Why We Like This Economy Toilet
For only around $100, this toilet is a great option for landlords wanting to keep costs down but still provide a quality product.
Best Premium
Buying Options
Toto – UltraMax II 1-Piece 1.28 GPF Single Flush Elongated Toilet
Type
Elongated Bowl, 1-Piece, Residential
Pros
- Very aesthetically pleasing one-piece design and quality construction.
- Proprietary glaze (CEFIONTECT) reduces need for frequent cleanings and harsh chemicals.
Cons
- Significantly higher cost compared to standard toilet models.
- Additional items like wax ring and mounting bolts must be purchased separately.
Why We Like This Premium Toilet
Toto is a very well known premium brand in the plumbing fixture industry. This 1-piece toilet is a great mid-range toilet among Toto products for those looking to install higher end fixtures.
Best Smart
Buying Options
Woodbridge – B0960S 1.6 GPF Smart Bidet Seat, Wireless Remote Control, Flush, Open and Auto Close
Type
Elongated Bowl, 1-Piece, Residential
Pros
- Advanced features like automatic flush, bidet, and air purification enhance hygiene.
- Remote control feature allows for easy control of all intelligent features.
Cons
- Higher cost due to advanced features and technology.
- Potential for more maintenance and issues with advanced electronic features.
Why We Like This Smart Toilet
Smart toilets provide convenience features such as automatic open and close, heated seats, and more. This smart toilet is our top pick as it has the most features for a reasonable price.
Best Commercial
Buying Options
American Standard – Madera Elongated One-Piece Toilet with Top Spud, and Flushometer
Type
Elongated Bowl, 1-Piece, Commercial
Pros
- EverClean surface repels messes and inhibits bacterial growth for easy cleaning.
- Commercial durability for frequent usage, with ADA compliant measurements.
Cons
- Typically requires professional installation to assemble spud to bowl.
- One-piece lower-bowl design has no back support.
Why We Like This Commercial Toilet
Commercial toilets get significant use and its smart to choose a durable toilet. American Standard is a well known brand in the plumbing fixture industry and this toilet upholds their great reputation and quality.
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5 Best Rental Toilet Brands
When shopping for a rental property toilet, it is recommended to be familiar with the various brands before purchasing. Several major brands dominate the market by providing products that are reliable and efficient. Below are the top 5 toilet brands:
Toilet Repair and Installation
How to Hire a Rental Property Plumber
Clogged or broken toilets are a major priority repair for landlords, as they can lead to tenant-health issues or larger and more expensive repairs if left unaddressed. Understanding how to hire a plumber for a rental property toilet can ensure you get a qualified plumber who satisfactorily completes the job.
Where to Find a Rental Property Plumber
Finding qualified, honest, and reliable service pros can easily be done with online service directories.These platforms directly connect customers and service providers who can do everything from installing rental property security cameras to servicing a tenant apartment refrigerator.
Rental Property Toilet FAQ
Round Bowls vs Elongated Bowls
The primary differences between a round bowl and an elongated toilet bowl are their shape and dimensions, which affect comfort, space requirements, and aesthetics. Ultimately, the choice between a round and elongated toilet bowl will depend on personal preferences, available space, and design considerations.
- Shape: A round bowl has a circular shape, while an elongated bowl is more oval-shaped, extending further out from the back of the toilet.
- Dimensions: Round bowls are generally shorter, measuring around 16.5 inches from the front to the back, whereas elongated bowls are about 18.5 inches long. This makes elongated bowls more comfortable for some users as they provide additional seating space.
- Space Requirements: Due to their shorter length, round bowls are more suitable for smaller bathrooms or tight spaces, while elongated bowls require more room and are better suited for larger bathrooms.
- Comfort: Many people find elongated bowls more comfortable to sit on due to the increased seating area, which can be especially beneficial for taller or larger individuals.
- Aesthetics: Elongated bowls are often considered more modern and visually appealing, while round bowls have a more classic, traditional look.
Are Landlords Responsible for Repairing Rental Property Toilets?
Short Answer: Yes – Toilets and properly functioning plumbing are commonly accepted as essential services for rental properties, thus they should usually be repaired by a landlord. The only exception to this would be if the toilet was intentionally damaged by the tenant.
Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining and repairing the plumbing in a rental unit, which includes toilets. However, if the damage or malfunction is caused by the tenant’s negligence, the tenant may be responsible for the repair. It’s important to review your lease agreement and local laws where the rental property is located. Below is comparison table of common situations when the tenant or landlord is responsible for repairing a toilet:
| Situation | Tenant Responsibility | Landlord Responsibility |
| Normal wear and tear | No | Yes |
| Toilet clogs due to tenant misuse or destruction | Yes | No |
| Broken toilet seat caused by tenant’s misuse | Yes | No |
| Faulty toilet mechanism due to age | No | Yes |
| Leaking toilet due to poor installation | No | Yes |
| Toilet damaged by natural disaster | No | Yes |
| Toilet damaged during tenant’s move-in/move-out | Yes | No |
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What is the Difference Between Residential and Commercial Toilets?
Residential and commercial toilets may look similar on the outside, but differ in a few ways. Residential toilets are designed primarily for home use, which typically use gravity-based flush systems and a more aesthetic appeal. They generally require minimal maintenance and upkeep due to their relatively infrequent use. Repairing residential toilets is relatively easy and most DIY parts can be easily changed out.
Commercial toilets are engineered for high-traffic public spaces, often utilizing flushometers for a powerful and efficient flush. These toilets are built to be overall more durable, vandal-resistant, and able to withstand frequent use, which may also have additional features such as automatic flush sensors and use less water per flush due to stricter plumbing codes for commercial properties. Commercial toilets often demand more frequent and specialized maintenance due to their heavy usage and more complex mechanisms.
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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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