The current flooring is laminate that has gotten wet and needs to be replaced.

I have no idea what color you need to bring samples to the space and when you have chosen one buy a box and lay it out in the space . If you like the color of the laminate you have take a piece with you shopping since it is being removed anyway that way you will know if it works colorwise.

IMO the color of the current flooring works rather well with the existing cabinets.

What you're probably seeing now is all light colored. You can only buy what is being offered. Look for one that has a warm undertone. It's fine if it's lighter than the cabinets. As Patricia says, you will have to take samples to the property. But you could start by pulling out a kitchen drawer and taking that to the store. That may help you get close with the samples. The lighting in stores will not be the same as what is at the rental, so you still need to look at a sample next to the kitchen. I don't know if you were planning on repainting, but it's possible the wall color will need to be changed once you replace the floors.

Check the Modine line from direct-to-consumer Flooret. They offer a 40mil product 9" wide in longer stffer planks with less repeat. Their click connection system is very strong. Many others are easily broken. They also just began offering a laminate using new waterproof core used in lvp. You'll begin seeing this type of laminate from other manufacturers as laminate re-enters the market as a competitor to lvp. Modin Luxury Vinyl Plank - Flooret You can order 6 samples for free now.

Nakan

Sutton

Bastille laminate

what brand will you be using?

I would choose the lightest color available.

Thank you all! I like the color of the current 15 -year-old laminate, unfortunately, it is no longer in stock or available and has to be replaced because of a water leak that damaged it.

I have not heard about Flooret so I will look into them. Are the new laminates coming out better than LVP?

Asher Bend from Daltile offers a glue down version in a 20 mil that is the ideal solution to rental property. If a plank gets damaged, you can just pull it up and replace with another plank. No need to unlock the whole click lock mess or to spot glue a plank that never moves with the rest of the floors.

I like the existing color.

Of the three proposed choices, I like the first one best because it has the smallest grain. But, honestly, all three are nice.

Dar, yes to researching laminates. They have upped their game.

Read KylieInteriors article on how to coordinate wood tones.

https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/how-to-mix-match-and-coordinate-wood-stains-undertones/

Another vote for laminate. Don’t be fooled by vinyl being ‘waterproof’. It’s not. The subfloor below it would get compromised with water so it doesn’t matter if the top layer is vinyl. Vinyl scratches easier than laminate- just FYI as you say this is a rental and who knows how it will be treated long term.