Should I Leave My Washer and Dryer in My Rental Property?
When converting your home into a rental property, you will have to decide if you want to leave your washer and dryer behind. The “right” decision depends on your bandwidth as a landlord and the expectations of your local rental market.
Based on our experience in the Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho rental market, approximately 50% of rental properties come with a washer and dryer. While many tenants appreciate having them, there are also many renters who own their own machines and prefer to use those instead. That said, when a washer and dryer are included, it’s generally seen as a positive feature that can make the property slightly more appealing to potential tenants.
Let’s look at the options you have as a property owner when it comes to your washer and dryer:
Option 1: Leave the Washer and Dryer and Maintain Them
The first option is to simply leave the washer and dryer with the property and be prepared to maintain them like any other appliance. In this situation, if the washer or dryer breaks during the tenancy, the landlord would be responsible for repairing or replacing the unit.
The advantage here is renter convenience: Many renters appreciate having laundry appliances already installed, and it can make the home feel more complete.
The downside here is landlord maintenance: These appliances will eventually require repairs or replacement, which becomes part of the property's ongoing maintenance responsibility.
Option 2: Leave Them as a “Tenant Convenience”
If tenants decide to keep the existing machines, owners often explain that if the machines break down, tenants are responsible for repairing or replacing them.
In this scenario, the appliances are available for the tenant to use, but the owner is not responsible for repairing or replacing them if they break. This approach allows tenants to benefit from the appliances if they choose to use them while protecting the owner from ongoing maintenance costs.
Option 3: Remove Them Completely
The third option is simply to remove the washer and dryer before renting the property.
This eliminates any maintenance responsibility related to those appliances. Tenants who want laundry in the home can bring their own machines and install them.
Because many renters already own washers and dryers, this option often works perfectly well, particularly in markets where appliances are not always expected.
What Makes the Most Sense?
In our market, including a washer and dryer usually acts as a small positive for marketing the property, but it is rarely the deciding factor for a tenant choosing a home.
For many owners, the decision ultimately comes down to how much maintenance responsibility they want to take on and whether the existing machines are in good condition. If the appliances are newer and in good shape, leaving them with the property can be a simple and convenient solution. If they are older and nearing the end of their lifespan, leaving them as a convenience item or removing them entirely may make more sense.
At Golden Properties, we help owners throughout Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho think through decisions like this based on local market expectations and long-term property performance.
If you're preparing your home to become a rental and aren’t sure what features tenants in the area typically expect, our team would be happy to help guide you through the process.
