Providing Washer and Dryer

[Will Sledge]

Do any of you provide a washer and dryer for your tenant? I close on my first rental house in a month. I am budgeting for the renovations. I already have to replace the washing machine. Should I buy a washer and dryer or count on the tenant to put their own in there? Thanks.

[Chris V.]

Like other mentioned this will probably differ per market. I would say that if you are renting out a whole house (SFR) that it is probably usually NOT included.

Personally I do NOT provide washers, dryers or fridges. If people ask about it (mostly they ask about a fridge) I recommend they pick one up at GoodWill which sells them for under $100. its not so much the up front money I am trying to save, its the hassle later on. 

In fact, if it was important in a market, I would rather give people a $100 rent credit so they can buy their own, than have to deal with the maintenance, and replacing it when it breaks. Come to think of it, I think i gave away one or two fridges that were included in the rent by the previous owners of properties I bought.

Alternatively you can hang up signs saying: ask us about renting a fridge / renting a Washer Dryer. When they do you can offer them to provide them for a higher rent and give them the good will alternative. And you can "quote" a higher or lower rent increase based on if you really want to provide them or now.

Hope this helps!