We are switching some units from blinds - which always need to be replaced after a tenancy, even for the perfect people - to curtains. More energy efficient for sure, can be washed, look a tiny bit more upscale and easier to stock up and keep on hand than blinds.

Initial cost is a good curtain rod - we just use Home Depot. So that's about the same as today's no-string blinds.

The curtains we use are grommet-topped thermal blackout curtains from NICETOWN on Amazon, in medium grey (works with Allure Khaki Oak floors very nicely.)

I have used them in MULTIPLE houses and they are strong, stain-resistant, energy-conserving and come in many colors and sizes, from very narrow for French doors to extra-wide for big sliders. They come in standard curtain lengths but also DOOR length for closets (some of us do that) and also super-long & wide to cover more wall.

I have them in my own home in our guest rooms which face west to block the hard direct sun in summer, and I have noticed they can fade on the exterior in that harsh sunlight. Took three or four years and we don't care but it happened so thought I should mention.

Often as cheap or cheaper than blinds and they last through multiple tenancies - we have had some up for YEARS now.

Great concept, Ray. Yes, even the grey add some color!

And 6x6, it's not the price - it's the hassle factor. Recently had a scheduled move out. Tenant did the right think and bought all new blinds - but blinds did not fit the old hangers because of course styles change and he had the old style. So we had to install all new window coverings no matter what.

Blinds last one tenant, if that, even if they are extra careful and don't have pets. Yes they pay for replacement but DH has to put them up. Ladders, tools, trash haul of old blinds and new boxes. Might seem cheaper by a very few dollars, but for us, it's not. Our time is worth more.

My lease says no window coverings.

I get some blinds from auctions and install them, mostly to keep the looky-loos out while I am prepping the place.

When I supplied curtains or blinds it seemed they never liked them. Didn't color match their furniture or the style wasn't what they wanted.

These are C or maybe C+ places now, so that will make a difference for sure.

Yep, Zero, the times they are a-changin'...

I decided on curtains where possible after DS3 and I did our "drive-by inspections" this fall, looking for exterior issues: trees and shrubs and fencing in disrepair. What we noticed was that even at some of our best places, all with good tenants, at least one blind and often more were in disrepair. Looked terrible from the street - taking B and C+ places down to C- or worse.

W,

We've been pleased with your idea to replace bi-fold closet doors with grommeted drapes. They add a soft texture to the room.

I bought a steamer to take out the wrinkles.

I still use mini-blinds to hide old outdated windows. We went thru the pain of changing brackets a few years a go when Lowes changes products. My move out checklist reminds them to go to Lowes to replace any needed blinds for $10 instead of the $35 we charge - saves me time and money.

I will make an effort to at least start supplying blinds. I can buy them in white.

Have been getting some 2" versions from the auctions. Guess it is time for me to start checking widths again.

I will admit that when my son moved out he left some curtains there and the kids that moved in were thankful.

We used blinds but used the type where you mount the plastic squares on the window upper sill, then you can replace a damaged blind in like 30 seconds..no need to redrill or unscrew anything. We wrote the part number of the blind inside the plastic clip...easy to find a new one. Kept stock of the common sizes...back then they were less than $10/blind. We charged $20 for a damaged one...no problem.

Almost every time I have had curtains, the tenant takes them down and doesn't store them correctly, so either they are dirty and crumpled or simply missing when the tenant moves out.

OW, you have to address that in your lease. Not allowed to remove our provided window coverings without specific permission.

We mainly put in some type of window covering, because if we don't, they just throw up a blanket or sheet and it looks like HE** from the outside.

Same with a Shower Curtain -- we buy them on sale. If we don't, they take a shower without a curtain.

Just filled my last open yesterday.

Told the tenant that I do not supply window coverings or shower curtains. (yet)

She was happy about it because she gets to buy what she wants. In this case she is coming out of a divorce and wants the new freedom to choose what she wants.

I have blinds built in the windows at my house. But the sun wreaks havoc when I want to chill in front of the TV, even though the windows are on the same wall.

We got the spring loaded rods and some thicker curtains to keep me from seeing spots.

Those rods are great, until you remove them a few times. They bend easily.

I could see a tenant pulling on one, bending the rod and then tossing it all.

The 2 inch blinds seem strong, at least more so than the old 1 inch versions.

My tenant pool wouldn't not reject a place for curtain color. Wouldn't even occur to them. MIGHT ask if they could put up their own but I think about two people in 20+ years have asked for that to begin with.

My tenant pool wouldn't not reject a place for curtain color. Wouldn't even occur to them. MIGHT ask if they could put up their own but I think about two people in 20+ years have asked for that to begin with.

We CURRENTLY (and have always in the past) use mini-blinds for our SFH rental.

That being said, I got tired of having to have hubby install new brackets every time we needed to replace a blind.

My solution was: I bought about 6 blinds for EACH window... lol! I'm set for a while as our tenants typically (fingers crossed) have been staying between 3-4 years. That way, all we have to do is just snap a new blind in!

I do love the idea though of the curtains... w/ being energy efficient and all... I wonder how hard they would be to make?

Maybe have a couple of different colors available for tenants to choose from? Just thought... lol

For now, I'm set w/ mini blinds..

;-)

We have used:

cheap mini blinds, do not last. But for a c space that might be the way.

2" plantation blinds, $35.00 raise up with you hand, no strings. 6ft is $100. still no issues in 5 years. We will see how it goes.

One duplex has vertical blinds. We do replace some of the slats and they are not too hard to do. It's ok way to go.

Cleaning can always be an issue, so there has to be a value issue. My own house, honeycomb blinds lasted 25 years, without being dirty.