Washer/Dryer liability or leverage for higher rent

[Shanice Waller]

A property management company recently advised me to remove the washer and dryer in my rental stating this is more of a liability. If any damage is done to the washer/dryer or damage to property from washer/dryer, I as the owner would be responsible. Thoughts? The home currently has an Amana washer/dryer combo purchased in 2016.

[Joe Splitrock]

When I buy a rental house the first thing I do is remove the washer and dryer. Of all appliances, washer and dryer have the most repair issues because they are mechanical. A set from 2016 is five years old, so they are going to need repair or replacement soon. My tenants just buy a used set for $200-300 and they don't seem to care. When buying their own, they can get a set that fits their needs. If you provide the washer, you may even get complaints about the size not being big enough or not doing a good job washing or drying clothes. I get the same rent rate as units that provide washer and dryer without the maintenance calls and expense.

If it was an apartment building or challenging space to move a washer or dryer in and out of, I would provide it in that case. On a recent house purchase, it had a washer and dryer, so I just told applicants that I was selling the set. The people who rented form me ended up buying the set from me. If you do that you can get around $300 and not have the headache of repairing or replacing.

The secret to removing problems is reducing complexity. I always remove washer/dryer, remove water softener, remove house humidifiers, block off fire places and never install a garbage disposal. There is six less things right there that need maintenance or repair.

Personally I think the PM gave you good advice. You are the one paying for repairs, so it is no harm to them if you leave the washer and dryer. That means they are looking out for your best interest. They obviously know that removing them will not affect your ability to rent the place or else why would they recommend it? They only make money when your place is rented.