Black Friday isn't just for TVs, kitchen gadgets, and holiday gifts. If you own a rental property, it can also be an opportunity to save money on things you'll actually need throughout the year.
But here's the catch: A good deal isn't necessarily a good purchase.
As landlords who manage our own rental properties, we know how quickly maintenance tools, appliances, and property improvements can add up. Buying strategically can help, but stocking up on things you don't need? That's just spending money with extra steps.
So, what's actually worth adding to your Black Friday shopping list?
The quick answer: Landlords should prioritize Black Friday deals on larger purchases they already need or have planned, including power tools, appliances, smart thermostats, keypad locks, and preventive maintenance devices. The best savings come from comparing prices, planning ahead, and avoiding purchases that weren't already on your radar.
Here are five categories worth considering, plus our tips for making sure those Black Friday discounts are actually worth it.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Rental Care Co. earns from qualifying purchases.
Your Black Friday Shopping List, Sorted! 🛒
We've put together a free printable checklist to help you plan purchases, set a budget, and focus on the deals that actually make sense for your rental property.
1. Maintenance Tools You'll Actually Use
Every rental property needs a little attention now and then. And having the right tools on hand can make small repairs and routine maintenance a whole lot easier.
Black Friday can be a good opportunity to purchase or upgrade tools that you'll use across multiple properties, especially more expensive power tools and equipment.
Worth looking for:
Cordless drill and impact driver combo kits
Oscillating multi-tools
Circular saws and other power tools
Wet/dry vacuums
Laser measuring tools and stud finders
Quality extension ladders
Rechargeable work lights
Tool bundles can be especially worth comparing during holiday sales. Just make sure you're getting equipment you'll actually use, rather than paying extra for accessories you don't need.
Our landlord tip: Start with tools you've already needed more than once. If you're constantly borrowing a drill or making extra trips to the hardware store, that might be a worthwhile investment.
And if you're managing just one rental property, you probably don't need a garage full of professional-grade equipment.
🛠️ Looking for the right tools? Browse our Rental Property Maintenance Tools & Supplies Amazon Idea List for practical finds to make rental maintenance a little easier.
2. Leak Detectors and Other Preventive Maintenance Devices
Some of the smartest rental property purchases aren't particularly exciting.
A water leak detector isn't going to win any holiday gift exchanges, but it might help you catch a small plumbing problem before it becomes a much bigger one.
Black Friday can be a good time to compare prices on smart devices and monitoring equipment, especially if you're considering outfitting more than one property.
Worth looking for:
Smart water leak detectors with phone notifications
Multi-sensor leak detection systems
Smart temperature sensors
Programmable or smart thermostats
Moisture meters
Water monitoring devices with automatic shutoff features
Not every device will deliver major savings during Black Friday. Focus on higher-priced equipment or multi-packs where the discount could make a meaningful difference.
When comparing devices, consider battery life, Wi-Fi requirements, notification features, ongoing subscription costs, and whether your tenants will need to interact with them.
Our landlord tip: Prioritize devices that address a real risk at your property. A basement with a history of moisture issues may benefit from a leak detector more than a property without similar concerns.
Just remember that monitoring devices are no substitute for regular inspections and proper maintenance.
💧 A little prevention goes a long way! Explore our Rental Property Maintenance Tools & Supplies Amazon Idea List for helpful products to stay ahead of maintenance surprises.
3. Locks, Hardware, and Security Essentials
Rental property turnovers have a way of revealing all the little things that need attention.
A loose doorknob. A worn-out lock. A missing doorstop.
While basic hardware is usually inexpensive, upgrading locks or improving property access can be a more significant investment.
That's where Black Friday may offer an opportunity to save, especially if you're planning upgrades across multiple properties.
Worth looking for:
Keypad door locks
Smart locks with remote access features
Electronic deadbolts
Lock sets for multiple doors
Compatible security lighting
Our landlord tip: Standardizing hardware across your rental properties can make future repairs and replacements easier. When possible, choose products with compatible sizes, finishes, and installation requirements.
Before buying smart locks, check battery requirements, access management features, subscription costs, and whether they're practical for your rental setup.
And remember, security upgrades should work for your tenants, too. Consider privacy, accessibility, and ease of use before installing connected devices.
🔑 A little upgrade worth considering! Keypad locks can make managing rental property access easier, especially during tenant turnovers. Check out the keypad lock on our Amazon Idea List.
4. Appliances and Bigger-Ticket Property Improvements
Here's where Black Friday shopping can get especially interesting for landlords.
Replacing a $15 cleaning tool isn't likely to make a meaningful difference in your rental property budget. But saving money on an appliance or a planned renovation purchase? That can add up.
If you know a refrigerator is nearing the end of its life or you're planning improvements between tenants, holiday sales may be worth watching.
Worth looking for:
Refrigerators and freezers
Dishwashers
Washers and dryers
Microwaves
Carpet cleaning machines
Multi-packs of LED lighting fixtures
Recessed lighting kits
Bathroom exhaust fans
Our landlord tip: Think ahead to upcoming turnovers and planned improvements. If you know you'll be replacing an appliance or installing new lighting within the next few months, comparing Black Friday prices could help you save.
But don't buy a new refrigerator just because it's discounted if your current one works perfectly well.
And remember to factor in delivery, installation, haul-away fees, warranties, and storage costs. Those extras can quickly eat into your savings.
For appliances, compare prices across multiple retailers rather than assuming Amazon or any single store has the best deal.
5. Seasonal Supplies Worth Stocking Up On
Not every Black Friday purchase needs to be expensive.
Sometimes the opportunity is buying frequently used supplies in larger quantities at a genuinely lower cost per item.
The key is knowing what you'll actually use.
Worth looking for:
Bulk LED light bulbs
Weatherstripping kits for multiple properties
Replacement smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Seasonal maintenance tool bundles
Larger quantities of supplies for planned property improvements
Our landlord tip: At our Michigan rental properties, we provide tenants with snow shovels and rakes to make seasonal upkeep easier. We also use recurring furnace filter deliveries to help keep routine maintenance on schedule.
That doesn't mean we'd rush to buy more shovels just because they're on sale.
Instead, look at the supplies you already purchase regularly. If Black Friday offers a better price than your usual supplier or subscription, it may be worth buying ahead.
For consumables, compare the cost per item rather than the advertised percentage off. Also check shelf life, storage space, compatibility, and expiration dates where applicable.
A quick reminder: Black Friday isn't automatically the best time to buy seasonal supplies. Some products may be cheaper during end-of-season clearance sales or at other times of year.
For more ways to prepare your properties for colder weather, check out our rental property winter maintenance guide.
How to Know Whether a Black Friday Deal Is Actually Worth It
Here's where a little planning can save you from a lot of unnecessary spending.
Before checking out, run your potential purchases through these five questions.
1. Was this already on your shopping list?
If you needed it before the sale, that's a good sign.
If you only want it because it's 40% off, maybe give it another thought.
2. Is the price actually lower than usual?
Not every Black Friday discount is as impressive as it looks.
Use price-tracking tools such as Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to review Amazon price histories when available.
Also compare the same product at other retailers. Sometimes the everyday price elsewhere is just as good.
3. Will you use it within the next year?
Stocking up can make sense for predictable maintenance expenses.
But purchasing something you might need someday ties up money that could be used for more immediate property expenses.
For larger purchases, consider whether the savings outweigh the cost of storing the item until you need it.
4. Is the quality worth the price?
The cheapest option isn't always the best value.
Read reviews, check warranties, and consider how often you'll use the item.
For frequently used tools and important safety-related equipment, reliability matters more than getting the biggest discount.
5. Does it fit your rental property budget?
A sale shouldn't be an excuse to spend money you've already allocated to repairs, taxes, insurance, or other important expenses.
Set a spending limit before you shop and stick to it.
Make a Landlord Black Friday Shopping List
Before browsing deals, create three simple categories:
BUY NOW
Tools you already need
Known maintenance purchases
Scheduled replacements
BUY IF THE PRICE IS RIGHT
Planned appliance upgrades
Smart devices that solve a real problem
Supplies you'll definitely use
SKIP FOR NOW
Nice-to-have gadgets
Duplicate equipment
Anything without a clear purpose
This helps you separate necessary purchases from tempting discounts.
Our favorite rule: If you wouldn't buy it at full price, make sure you have a good reason to buy it on sale.
And don't forget to compare the total cost, not just the advertised sale price.
Don't Forget to Track Your Purchases
Saving money on supplies is great. Knowing where that money went is just as important.
Whether you're purchasing a $30 maintenance tool or a $600 appliance, keep records of your rental-related expenses.
Save receipts, note which property each purchase is for, and organize expenses consistently.
Some purchases may be treated differently for tax purposes depending on their cost, use, and applicable tax rules. A tax professional can help you determine how to categorize and deduct them.
The important part? Don't let those Black Friday purchases disappear into a pile of receipts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Black Friday a good time to buy rental property supplies?
It can be, particularly for more expensive tools, appliances, smart devices, and planned property improvements. However, not every product reaches its lowest price during Black Friday. Compare prices and prioritize purchases you already need.
What are the best Black Friday purchases for first-time landlords?
Start with essential maintenance tools, equipment that addresses known property risks, and larger purchases you already have planned. A quality drill kit, wet/dry vacuum, or leak detection system may be more useful than stocking up on inexpensive supplies.
Should landlords buy appliances during Black Friday?
Black Friday can be a good opportunity to compare appliance prices, especially if you're planning a replacement. Check delivery and installation fees, warranty coverage, dimensions, and whether you have somewhere to store the appliance if you don't need it immediately.
Are tools and appliances tax-deductible for landlords?
Many ordinary and necessary rental property expenses may qualify for tax deductions, but the treatment depends on the item and circumstances. Some purchases may need to be capitalized or depreciated. Keep your receipts and consult a qualified tax professional.
Should landlords buy supplies in bulk?
Bulk purchases can save money when the items are used frequently, have a reasonable shelf life, and can be stored properly. Compare unit prices and avoid tying up too much cash in inventory you won't need for a long time.
Are Amazon Black Friday deals always the lowest prices?
Not necessarily. Prices change frequently, and some products may be available for similar or lower prices at other times of year. Reviewing price history and comparing retailers can help you identify genuine savings.
A Little Planning Goes a Long Way
Black Friday can be a great opportunity to save on rental property expenses, but only when you're buying with intention.
Start with your property's needs. Make a list. Set a budget. Compare prices.
And remember, the best landlord purchase isn't the one with the biggest discount. It's the one that makes managing your rental property easier, safer, or more affordable.
Happy (smart) shopping! 🛒
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Written by Krystle, co-founder of Rental Care Co.
We're hands-on, self-managing landlords who own and manage three rental properties in Michigan. Through Rental Care Co., we share practical tools, firsthand experiences, and lessons we've learned along the way to help other landlords manage their properties with more confidence and less stress.