Turned over unit - Prospective tenants are not happy that the laundry not in the unit

[Account Closed]

After five years, we removed a tenant (via non-renewal of lease). They moved out and turned over the unit. Since it was never turned over under our ownership, we gutted the bathroom (needed it), redid the cabinets, countertop, and all three bedrooms. It's been on Zillow for about six weeks (most inexpensive in the neighborhood), and the # 1 comment we have is they do not like that the washing machine and dyers are coin-op and that they are in the basement. It's a four unit building, so the most economical way to install the washer and dryer was in the unit. There are also hook-ups in the basement for other tenants to connect theirs if they wish. I was thinking on placing a combo washer/dryer in the kitchen, there is a small space, but we have to run water lines from the basement and a drain hose. We really didn't want to do this, but we are concerned that it's taking a long time to fill. We filled a 1-bedroom in 3 weeks last fall. That was listed at $2k, and this is listed at $2.7k (again, a 3 bedroom). A combo washer/dryer would be around $1400, and a plumber to run the lines probably another $1200 or so. We've already spent around $15k in the reno with supplies (trust when I say the unit needed it.

Any suggestions?

[Alecia Loveless]

@Colleen F. My tenants prefer laundry in the unit. If you can get it done for around $3000 that’s probably cheap money for an investment that would get your unit rented.

I also charge at least $50 more a month if I’ve provided the laundry machines.

If you’re the lowest priced option you shouldn’t have trouble raising the rates to offset your expense of the machines.