What do tenants look for when searching through listings for houses and apartments for rent? There are, of course, many factors, but a big selling point is well-maintained up-to-date appliances. We don’t mean getting smart appliances for the home, but good, up-to-date appliances are worth their weight in gold. You’re more likely to get your rental property off the market faster if your appliances look good and work well. If your rental property’s appliances are looking rundown or straight-up old, it might be time to buy some new ones.
But where do you start?
How Long do Appliances Last?
This is an important place to start. Appliances, when well-maintained, can have a great shelf life, but they still get old. Generally, we can follow these guidelines:
- Refrigerators: 11-19 years
- Dishwashers: 9-13 years
- Oven ranges: 13-15 years
- Washers and dryers: 10-14 years
Of course, this is all dependent on the brand and model of appliance you buy, and if you didn’t already know, expensive doesn’t equal durable.
This is just a guideline, though. Your appliances could very well break down before then, in which case you should be replacing them immediately. But, it’s not a great idea to wait until your appliance has already broken down. Think about replacing it once it’s gotten old but hasn’t worn down completely.
I’m Ready to Replace, What Should I Buy?
No, this isn’t a plug of our favourite brands. This has more to do with the price range and models you should be looking at when considering what to buy. As we said before, buying the most expensive appliances on the market won’t always mean you’re getting the most durable on the market. Not to mention, it may not be sound advice to buy extremely expensive stuff for your rental anyway. Start by asking yourself this question: how much is your rental property worth? There should be a discernible difference in the appliances bought in a property worth $500,000 and one worth $800,000. No one expects a $10,000 refrigerator, but don’t buy a $500 fridge for an $800,000 home. Another way to phrase this is by asking yourself how much you rent the property for? If it’s $1500 a month, find a comparable price for your appliance.
Price is an important factor, but you shouldn’t look at the price tag alone. What kind of models should you look at?
No one wants to read a manual two inches thick to get something working, nor do you want to spend a fortune on special technicians if something breaks down. When you’re looking, ask yourself these questions:
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If it breaks down, do you need to buy special, expensive parts? If so, do they come from abroad, meaning will you have to wait for delivery and pay possible customs tariffs?
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Do you need to use special detergents or cleaning supplies?
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Is it self-explanatory or complicated to use?
Your best bet is to look at basic models for each of your appliances, whether it’s a dishwasher or washing machine. No need to get one with a computer system or smart capabilities. You need something functional, easy to use, and durable. After all, you’re not buying for yourself and your home.
Need help getting your property rented? Call us at Pemberton Holmes Property Management. With over 100 years of experience, we’ll give you the advice you need to get your place in good shape, off the market, and in good hands.