Studies show that 67 percent of people do laundry at least twice per week, while 31 percent say they do their laundry daily.
It is no wonder that onsite laundry access consistently tops the list of amenities that potential tenants are concerned with when selecting a rental property.
The option of doing their laundry when it’s convenient to them, particularly if they work long or odd hours, makes onsite laundry a huge selling point for renters who want to avoid the hassle of trekking to the laundromat to wash their clothes.
With so much on the line, landlords can’t afford to be wishy-washy when it comes to laundry.
In-unit Machines
It is no secret that prospective renters are willing to pay more for in-unit laundry equipment.
In fact, according to Trulia, renters are willing to pay as much as 20 percent more per month for an in-unit washer and dryer.
In-unit machines offer convenience and privacy.
For leases with utilities included in the rent, it means monthly savings for your renters but an increase in costs for you.
If you are prioritizing upgrades to improve your rental property value, you might find that splurging for individual machines isn’t a wise investment right now.
If you manage a multi-unit building, individual washer and dryer combinations in each unit may be a more significant load than you are prepared to take on.
Aside from the upfront investment, in-unit laundry facilities require more upkeep and can increase the risk of damage to your property.
Tenants will not see added value in having a washer and dryer in their apartment if the appliances are low-quality and unreliable.
Don’t throw in the towel just yet!
Keep reading to see how you can create and maintain an onsite community laundry room your tenants will love.
Accessibility
Apartment laundry rooms have a reputation for being dark, drab, and even downright spooky.
Accessibility is the first step to breaking that stereotype.
The more accessible your community laundry room is, the more likely your residents are to use it.
If possible:
- Put the laundry room on the first floor.
- Provide an elevator or lift.
- Consider automatic doors that open/shut when tenants are hauling a load of clothes.
Navigating tight spaces with heavy, bulky laundry baskets can be difficult, and stairs can be a tripping hazard.
Aside from the convenience factor, you must consider the legal, fair housing, and ADA requirements for building tenants with disabilities.
Security & Safety
Residents won’t use your community laundry room if they don’t feel safe.
Follow these steps to keep your community laundry room safe and secure for your residents:
- Provide a secure entrance accessible to residents only.
- Provide plenty of lighting and replace any outages right away.
- Consider installing security cameras.
- Install and maintain functional smoke and carbon monoxide monitoring.
- Keep soaps, cleaners, and other chemicals out of reach of young children.
Placing a community laundry room in a high-traffic or central area not only increases security but also provides opportunities for your residents to meet and interact with their neighbors
Securing your community laundry room will give your renters peace of mind when using the laundry room in your complex, as well as keep your laundry equipment investment protected.
Cleanliness
Laundry is never loads of fun, but nobody wants to do it in a dirty laundry room.
A clean, well-maintained laundry room in your residential building will make your facility more attractive than many rental properties that don’t offer that amenity.
Keeping your laundry facilities in tip-top shape:
- Provide trash cans.
- Avoid potential injuries and possible damage to your machines by cleaning up spills and messes quickly.
- Vacuum and mop the floors often.
Remaining diligent with routine maintenance will keep all machines operating safely and efficiently.
The cleanliness of common areas is a direct reflection of how you take care of your properties.
Well-maintained common areas show you take pride in your property and builds confidence that you are a responsible landlord with a solid handle on maintenance and upkeep.
Residents are more likely to value your property and keep it well-maintained if you do.
High-Quality Commercial Equipment
Even if their building offers onsite laundry facilities, many renters will opt to go to the laundromat over using machines in their buildings if:
- The equipment is old and outdated.
- The machines onsite are not as efficient or large-capacity.
- There are not enough machines, resulting in long wait times.
- Onsite equipment is not fixed or replaced timely if it requires maintenance or technical support.
Outdated, poorly maintained equipment can disrupt the efficiency of your complex’s laundry room.
Not having enough machines can result in a crowded laundry room, long wait times, and disagreements between residents, negatively impacting the atmosphere of the building.
Providing access to high-quality commercial machines that work reliably will keep your residents from having to take their laundry offsite, reduce turnover and provide increased revenue for you.
Your residents will love the latest technology and features, including faster wash and dry times, more advanced controls, alerts, and larger-capacity machines
Technology
Technology has become central to most aspects of our lives. We are in the age of instant gratification and convenience.
Tech-savvy tenants expect no less when it comes to laundry.
Offer these app-based features right through their smartphone:
- Smart pay options
- Wash alerts
- Service requests
- Rewards loyalty rewards programs
- Customizable wash and dry controls
- Advanced alerts and machine monitoring
- Smart alerts for wash/dry cycles
Innovative laundry technology can ensure a smoother operating laundry room. That means happy tenants and the potential for your laundry room to be profitable.
Other Amenities and Accessories
A successful community laundry room will include more than just laundry equipment.
You can offer several amenities that won’t break the bank but will set you apart from other buildings.
- Cabinets, cubbies, or lockers to store laundry supplies
- Utility Sinks
- Laundry carts
- Drying racks
- Counters of varying heights
- Folding tables
- Sitting area
- Vending machines
- A small television to share community news and announcements
A well-planned out central laundry room can feel like an extension of your tenant’s space. It is a great selling point.
Consider adding some seating, as well as homy elements and décor if space allows. Creating common areas that will enable socialization establishes a sense of community and belonging that keeps tenants renewing year after year.
Don’t get hung out to dry!
If maintenance responsibilities have you feeling like you’re stuck in a spin cycle, it may be time to see if a property management company is the right choice for you!
