Adding coin (or some pay to use) laundry at small multis

[Pat Jackson]

I know this question has been asked before. I'm convinced it's worth it.  Here are my questions.

When adding coin laundry to small multis (I'm really talking 4-plexes), how is:

1. Rentability impacted? I know I wouldn't want to live some place where I had to drive to do laundry.  Honestly I don't want to live anywhere that doesn't have laundry in the unit, but I've never lived in a multi unit.
2. Does anyone believe this justifies raising rents?  I'm not trying to squeeze blood out of a turnip, I'm thinking $10-$15 a month a unit.
3. I have heard of companies that install their units and maintain them.  The utilities are up to the owner, and once a month they receive a check for part of the funds.  Does anyone have such a company they recommend, especially in the Kansas City area?  I've heard they exist but can't seem to find them online.  Perhaps I'm not doing the proper word search.

[Deanna McCormick]

If its a shared space for laundry and you have a utility hook ups that permit that you can install and run the machines on landlords dime for water and power PERFECT.. for 4 units it would be a big plus to have the option to do it on premises,, 2 washers and 2 dryers would probably be best.. that way if one dies you'll already have a back up and it's faster to do 2 loads at a time.. of course.

As far as charging tenants more money for rent.. you should be within market rent period.. so check out what others are charging in your area.

Laundry isn't free so what ever the locals are getting at a laundromat you should be within a 50 cents of the same for price.. make sure you empty the machines regularly and a good used set you could probably find on craigslist.

The machines will pay for themselves in no time along with utilities.  Make sure proper ventilation is done for the dryers,, and inspect the vents often,, lint builds up faster than you would think in multiple users and the dryers will run better with regular cleaning of the vents..