Appliances

[William Frantz]

I am trying to rent my first property should I get a new or used stove and refrigerator or leave no appliances, what about a dish washer, garage door opener, or garbage disposal.

[Account Closed]

As far as appliances, it depends on your market.  Look at the Craigslist ads and see if there's anyone renting without a fridge.  I do know of a landlord friend in Oakland, CA who does not provide refrigerators.  When I was young, it seems it was more common to rent a place that did not provide a fridge, but I would not rent a place without one.

Stoves have always been provided anywhere I know of.

I would not provide washers/dryers - but tenants will love having hookups.  No on the disposal - they get abused and cost you in plumbers coming out to clear drains.  Dishwashers use too much water and are another appliance to fix.  These, too, get abused by people who don't rinse food off the plates, pots and pans first, so they get clogged.

Don't buy new unless you are renting to really upscale tenants, or you get a great warranty with the new purchase, in my opinion.