Should I include washer and dryer in my rental?

[Natali Cobb]

Hey BP, 

I recently purchased my very first property, which I am now getting ready to list for rent. One question that I keep going back and forth on is, should I include a washer and dryer in the unit? I have heard some people say yes, some say no. There are hookups, and I have the units to place there, so won't be spending any additional money. It is a duplex, I am house hacking and living in the upstairs unit. It is in a nicer neighborhood of a small city. 

My thoughts are that most renters don't have their own washer and dryer, and it could deter some people who don't want to buy their own. It would seemingly also increase what I could get for rent, has anyone found that to not be the case? However, it is one more thing to fix/replace if it breaks, whereas it is the tenants problem if it is their unit. 

Any insight would be greatly appreciated! 

[Tom S.]

@Natali Cobb  I recently switched over to providing the washer / dryer to start, but say they're responsible for any additional maintenance.  So far so good.

I do feel like you attract more tenants by offering the W/D.  The downside is that when something breaks, it takes forever to schedule appointments, make sure the tenant is home or a property manager can let them in, and sometimes it even takes two appointments.  One to diagnose and one to fix after a part is ordered. 

My 2 cents...