Atlanta, GA · Member since 2014 · 4 posts · 1 vote
I am looking at purchasing a refrigerator (with ice maker) and am debating whether to get one with a water dispenser. The lease will run at least a year.
If you are using a property management company, I would suggest asking them what they would put into that property. They should know the common fridge to buy for that rental.
If you are self-managing, I would suggest checking out local comparable rental properties on Zillow to find out what people have locally.
I would never recommend an ice or water dispenser in a rental. this is not just a liability of repairing it when it breaks, but if the line into the fridge leaks, you could have substantial water damage and I would not trust a tenant to keep their eyes open like an owner. especially in a townhouse scenario, if the fridge shares a wall with another unit your leak could effect others as well.
Thanks for the responses. It is a 3BR townhouse and most times the tenants with be 3 students. For my own self, I like to have a water dispenser, and would like for the tenants to have it, but do not want to be bogged down with repairs.
It really depends on your market. Higher end, I may go with more bells and whistles...
But you had me at college students: get the most durable, with fewest features possible.
Repairs and parts are expensive. They can eclipse the cost of an appliance. Dispensers are primary wear points, too.
Remember--they will treat it like a rental (and like a frig they did not pay for and will never see again when the lease ends). Many also have pricey filters now too (more cost and maintenance).
If I could get by with it, I would go just the ice maker (hot in Atlanta) but no dispenser of any kind. I might even go plain white, make your own ice cubes. Bullet proof. Done for a decade.
My decision may also vary if you have an existing water line for the ice maker attached.
I think you have multiple tenants and probably can expect active wear and tear.
Least expensive 18 cu ft you can find. College kids are hard on fridges. They can buy ice at the convenience store or trays. I find a lot of fridges on FB swip swap areas.