Landlord Question and Answer Forum

I'm a new landlord, do I leave my fairly new nice front loader washer and dryer when I move out of this house before the new renter move in? Do I charge extra? My concern is I would need the tenants to put a front loader in due to the fact I have a septic system. I know this sounds a little petty but we just put our new septic in and a front loader saves a lot of water. Not sure how this works with the whole washer and dryer part of it. Is it up to me to provide a washer and dryer or is it up to the tenant to provide their own and I know a front loader is more expensive so I feel torn to leave mine here. Opinions please.

Check with your local tennacy law in Hew Hampshire, But I believe you do not have to provide them with a washer and dryer , I also would not keep it in that apartment, sometimes when they did not pay for it they abuse it. In Massachusetts you only need to provide a stove.

Posted by Donald G, MA on Sunday, June 6, 2010

You can always purchase a home warranty plan that will cover them home and all of your appliances.

Posted by Scott T, CA on Monday, June 7, 2010

I also have a rental house with a washer and dryer in the house. The washer and dryer are not listed in the lease as "appliances provided." I put a provision in the lease that the washer and dryer are provided as a convenience, and if they become inoperable, I (the landlord) am not obligated to provide replacements or to cover any tenant expense for laundry services. Not sure that would work everywhere, and I am new to being a landlord, so I may regret that!

Posted by Mary Jo H, MI on Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Mary Jo: That's an excellent point. The only issue is that Robin said they had a "fairly new nice" washing machine. If the machine becomes inoperable the tenant would have the authority to remove it and replace it. I love your approach on appliances that are older and that the landlord does not care about.

Posted by Scott T, CA on Tuesday, June 8, 2010

These are great suggestions. I think we are leaning towards taking our washer and dryer with us when we move out and providing a used washer and dryer in place of ours. Mary Jo - Great idea to put in the lease agreement, I will use that one along with our air conditioners we are leaving behind as well.

Posted by Robin L, FL on Tuesday, June 8, 2010

You don't have to provide washer and dryer at all.

Posted by IMEX Realty L, TX on Monday, August 16, 2010

I know that I am not required to provide a washer and dryer, but it has been a big selling point and I feel I get higher rent for the house even though I don't guarantee that it will be replaced - maybe the tenants are a bit more careful knowing it could be gone if they ruin them. Also, I am not renting to low income clients, and I have been pretty lucky with having good tenants.

Posted by Mary Jo H, MI on Monday, August 16, 2010