Do renters baulk at combo washer dryers?

Question

I'm in the process of buying a new construction with an JADU (attached In-Law suite) rental. The unit is a small, but quite nice, one-bedroom (or will be by the time I list it). The builder offers only very specific options/upgrades that don't include washer dryer hookups. Comps show that having W & D is a must. I could fairly easily add a ventless washer dryer combo (the all in one unit type) under the kitchenette counter. Here's my concern. My research says those 1) take 3.5 hours+ per load; 2) leave the clothes feeling damp and needing to be shaken out; 3) can only accommodate the equivalent of 2 large bath towels and two hand towels per load. My concern is that most Americans aren't used to doing laundry this way and may write the unit off much as if it didn't have a W & D.

Anyone have experience with this? I technically could add a more traditional setup, but it would be expensive and an all-around pain.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

If you're going to provide a set, it needs to be large enough to be functional. Washing two towels at a time isn't very practical. In my experience, stackable units are more expensive and tend to break more often. If the dryer breaks, you have to replace the whole set. If you have the space, purchase a standard set so that each appliance is separate, and then a stack kit so they can stack up and save space.

John Underwood · Answer

I never ever supply washer and dryer to tenants. At least not anymore. Lesson learned.

Randall Demary · Answer

Thanks for the input all. Given that I see very few units that don't include a washer and dryer and those all show as having been posted much longer than those that do, I don't think I can just skip it altogether. Perhaps I can find a way to add a washroom somewhere else.

Jason Smith · Answer

I bought units with stacked standard apartment washer dryers, 27" and 24" - the ones that have been around for 25 years. I am up front with renters, tell them they need to reduce their expectations for this tiny machine. No comforters, slower dry times. I do the work myself and they are pretty new machines, but they have all had one problem or another within a few years. Lid sensor, water pump, main control unit, stuck clothes in spindle. All the parts are cheap and you can diagnose them easily with Google. Whirlpool, GE, Kenmore, etc - they are all really Fridgaire or Electrolux. Way, way more issues than you standard top-load washer and separate dryers. Stacked are expensive for such a cheap looking product. I just don't have the space for separate.

I am interested in in these all in one ventless but I have seen the 10% of reviews that say they don't dry. Makes me kinda nervous. They are way more modern looking and only like $150 more than the ugly ones I have. I do see them on Apartment Hunters International a lot, so I figure they can't be that bad.

Joe Funari · Answer

@Randall Demary It depends on what the local rental market will bear. Here in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area landlords typically provide washer, dryer, nor a refrigerator. Too much liability and tenants not caring for them. You will be replacing them very often causing your capex to soar thru the roof. Plus in the new COVID world they should not be provided by landlords. So be sure you check with other investors and property management companies where your rentals are located and get their input.

Account Closed · Answer

I'm not a fan of combo washer/dryers. They are such a pain, and really don't seem to do a good job getting the clothes dry. That being said, @Andrew B. makes a good point that a tenant may prefer that over not having any washer/dryer provided!

Adam Azam · Answer

You may want to think about putting in the listing that they are available upon request (for a fee of course). I've found a surprising number of tenants already have their own. Nothing worse than paying to put them in and then having to store them because a tenant has their own.

Peter Loudis · Answer

@Randall Demary

I would try and make room for a compact stacked or stackable W/D if possible. Possibly lose a little cabinet/counter space in the kitchen or frame out a small closet (depending on your space). A new unit with a full coverage warranty and/or find a good appliance repair guy is recommended. Whirlpool has a nice stacked unit if you can find one. Other option would be a bit costlier, you could install under counter front loaders. Bosch makes a nice set but quite a bit more if purchasing new.

Andrew B. · Answer

I have a combo washer/dryer in my condo and my tenant is very happy to have it, since the alternative is a laundromat. That being said, I hate the machine. It takes forever to dry and is much more expensive. If I could turn back time, I would try to figure out a way to add a regular washing machine.

Kimberly Carver · Answer

@Randall Demary we recently looked into ventless.... My husbands best friend has owned an appliance business for 25 years. He refused to even consider selling us one, that’s how much he hates them! He was adamant that they are nothing but problems. It also requires a lot of upkeep- high risk of lint fire if not maintained. Some towns do not allow ventless dryers per code. If you do decide to do that I would definitely check the CO requirements for your town and make sure it doesn’t state that a dryer needs to be vented.

Do renters baulk at combo washer dryers?

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