As a rental property owner, you do not need to provide appliances in your rental property. To you, this is good news as it allows you to save. However, even if you don’t need to do it, you should still consider providing appliances. Here’s why.
Do Landlords Need to Provide Appliances in a Rental Property?
The answer to, “Do landlords need to provide appliances?” is no. Landlords do not need to provide appliances in their rental property. However, they are free to do so if they want to. This is because the “implied warranty of habitability” only states that the minimum standards must be met. Therefore, a rental property owner that “refuses” to provide appliances can’t be held liable, as that responsibility was not present in the first place.
Should Landlords Provide Appliances in the Rental Property?
Now that you know that landlords are not required to provide appliances in their rental property, the real question is, should you still do it anyway? That’s totally up to you!
It is worth noting, however, that short-term tenants will probably want to live in a rental that’s equipped with all the appliances they’d need. They don’t have the time (or the money) to furnish the rental property with appliances, so they prefer to pay for a property that already has them.
For example, if your rental property is in a college town, you can’t expect your tenants to be willing to buy dishwashers, washers, dryers, etc. They will probably pass on properties that don’t come with the appliances they desire. With that said, depending on your type of tenant, it may be worth providing appliances in your rental property.
Also, consider if comparable properties provide appliances. If your rental property is the only one on the block that doesn’t provide appliances, it would be wise to buy appliances, otherwise, your potential tenants will turn to your competition. To find out what other rental property owners are providing, partner with a property management firm.
Who is Responsible For Appliances?
If you provide appliances in your rental property, you have to include them in property maintenance. That means you need to repair the appliances, pay for replacements, and so on.
This, however, does not mean that your tenant is entirely in the clear. Of course, your tenant still has to care for the appliances as if they were their own. In case your tenant or their guests cause damage to the appliances, they will have to cover the costs for repairs or replacements.
It would be wise to inspect each appliance when you inspect the property. In that way, you can compare the appliances’ conditions pre-occupancy and post-occupancy. Note that damage due to wear and tear is expected, so you can’t compel your tenant to cover that expense.
In addition, maintain proper documentation of every appliance in your real estate investment. This will allow you to easily tell apart the appliances you put there from the appliances that your tenant owns.
What Appliances Should You Provide in a Rental Property?
Even if you aren’t obligated by law to provide appliances in your rental property, it would be a good idea to do so. If you aren’t sure what to put on your property, consider what your potential tenants would need daily. And as a rule of thumb, buy only the essentials – these will be good enough to seal the deal. You do not need to buy stainless steel appliances that will break the bank.
And remember, if you can’t decide what to get, you can consult a property management company. They will know what your market wants.
Here are a couple of appliances to include in your rental property:
#1 Washing Machine
Big and bulky, a washer and dryer is needed by all tenants, whether they’re in their 20s, 30s, and so on. Everyone wants – and needs – a washer and dryer. Providing this appliance in your rental property can be incredibly attractive to tenants who do not want to buy a new unit, or do not want to move their big and bulky unit over to their new unit.
If you have a multi-family property, make sure to invest in an in-unit washer and dryer. In that way, your tenants don’t have to make their way to the laundromat every time they have to do their laundry.
#2 Refrigerator
Who doesn’t need a fridge? Get a fridge and put it into your rental property. You’ll find that your tenants will be more willing to pay a premium price for it. By doing so, you can save your tenant from the burden of having to buy a brand-new fridge that they’ll have to bring with them everywhere they move down the road.
#3 Dishwasher
A dishwasher is an “extra” appliance you can add to your rental property as it is a luxury. It’s not really a need, particularly for tenants that live on their own, however, it can be helpful for tenants that don’t have the time to do the dishes.
Dishwashers waste a lot of water, so it would be best to invest in a water-saving dishwasher. In that way, your tenants (particularly your eco-conscious tenants) can conserve water and save money at the same time.
#4 Air Conditioning Unit
Florida can be incredibly hot, so purchase an AC unit for your rental property – your tenants will appreciate you for it. Again, not everyone is willing to get their own AC unit (particularly people that move a lot), so by providing one, you will be able to attract a wider pool of tenants.
#5 Vacuum Cleaner
Want to make sure your tenants clean the unit? Invest in a vacuum cleaner for your real estate investment. That way, they will have no excuses not to clean the interior. Besides, not every tenant will have their own vacuum cleaner, so to be sure your tenants have the “tools” to clean the property, purchase one on their behalf.
Need Help Picking Out Appliances For Your Rental Property?
At Luxury Property Care, our experts are prepared to lend a hand in helping you pick out appliances for your South Florida rental property. We’ll look at your market to pinpoint what your potential tenants want, and look for low-cost appliances that don’t break the bank.
For more information, call us at (561) 944 – 2992 or complete our contact form today.
