Investor · Fairfield-New Haven-Hartford County, CT · Member since 2013 · 825 posts · 413 votes
Any thoughts on getting stainless steel (SS) vs black appliances for student rentals?
I was leaning more towards black appliances since it will (likely) be more aesthetically durable; especially considering that since it's a student population and we will likely not have one long-term tenant.
The flip side is that SS is popular and I think students will appreciate having SS (as long as it shows nice) and we might be able to squeeze a few extra rent dollars marketing the place.
Developer · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 898 votes
10y
@Jonathan MakovskyThe price difference between black and stainless is not that much, but perspective tenants around me prefer the stainless. I know on BP this is not a popular selection.
I have units near a university, and sometime rent to students (not always, as the turnover is higher), and the stainless does get the wow factor, and allows me to rent fast and at or near the top of the area.
Developer · New Orleans, LA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 898 votes
10y
@Jonathan MakovskyThe price difference between black and stainless is not that much, but perspective tenants around me prefer the stainless. I know on BP this is not a popular selection.
I have units near a university, and sometime rent to students (not always, as the turnover is higher), and the stainless does get the wow factor, and allows me to rent fast and at or near the top of the area.
Professional · Fort Collins, CO · Member since 2016 · 122 posts · 14 votes
10y
Both options would give the kitchen a sleek and modern feel. As far as aesthetics go, the size of the kitchen is something to consider. All black appliances could make the kitchen look a lot darker, which would make it feel smaller.
Architect · Papillion, NE · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 840 votes
10y
I think black is best. Stainless can be hard to keep looking good. Students don't clean well or care about taking care of things like this. Do you want to spend time polishing a SS fridge? I don't. Be consistent color and you will be good to go.
Investor · Springfield, IL · Member since 2016 · 13 posts · 6 votes
10y
A fair amount of our tenants are students. I find that for the most part they don't care. As long as it's not Almond. That been said SS could give you an edge on getting a higher quality tenant. A grad student or something similar. I don't see the worry in keeping it clean, how often do you have to clean your tenants appliances?