WWBPD: Gas Dryer or Electric Dryer in a rental

[Chris K.]

I'm completely redoing the utility room in a rental I just bought. It currently has a gas line for the dryer and since all the walls were open, now would be the time to run the electric if thats the route I decide to go. From what I've read, it seems a gas dryer is more expensive to buy but less to operate but my main concern is it seems gas would be a bigger fire hazard and another chance of a gas leak. Electric all they have to do is plug it in. 

Which would you choose for a "C" rental property if you had the choice and why. 

[Kathleen Leary]

Gas & electric are both common here - the only reason they catch on fire is because idiots let the lint accumulate & block the air flow, not because of the fuel source.

If you go with electric, be sure you have a dedicated circuit run for it - that's another source for horror stories. Definitely do it if the wall's already open.

It's easier for tenants to stick a plug in the wall than hook up a gas line - I would NEVER allow them to do that themselves, anyway. But if you have the option for both, go for it, especially if you might be providing the dryer as part of the rental, either now or in the future. That way you can choose the best deal. I don't think the operating cost is of too much interest to tenants - it's not substantial.