Attracting and retaining tenants constantly challenges property managers, landlords, and real estate investors. One often-overlooked yet powerful way to set your property apart is by offering laundry services as a rental amenity.
A simple addition like a well-designed laundry room can enhance tenant satisfaction, increase property value, and provide an additional income stream.
Whether you manage an apartment building, invest in multi-unit properties, or lease short-term rentals, laundry facilities are a crucial consideration.
Keep reading to explore the benefits of providing laundry services and how you can integrate them seamlessly into your rental property offerings.
The Benefits of Offering Laundry Services
1. Attract Tenants with a Convenient Essential Amenity
Tenants see laundry facilities as an essential feature of any rental property. Convenience becomes your selling point by offering a shared laundry room or in-unit washers and dryers.
Tenants won’t have to drive miles to a laundromat or share outdated equipment. They can wash clothes quickly and efficiently, giving your property an edge in the rental market.
2. Increase Tenant Satisfaction and Loyalty
Happy tenants are loyal tenants. Reliable laundry services make a tenant’s daily life more manageable, creating a comfortable living environment. When renters feel their needs are being met, they’re less likely to leave—reducing tenant turnover and vacancy rates.
Paying the same attention to detail in keeping outdoor areas clean and attractive can also contribute to tenant happiness.
3. Stand Out from Competitors
Rental properties with attractive amenities, like modern laundry facilities, stand out. If local competitors overlook this feature, you can gain a decisive advantage by marketing your laundry services as a key amenity.
4. Generate Additional Income
While gyms and swimming pools are often free perks, running laundry facilities provides a practical opportunity to generate passive income. For example, coin-operated or card-operated washers and dryers can produce daily revenue.
Alternatively, some property owners justify higher rent by including free laundry services as part of the package.
5. Build a Positive and Welcoming Environment
Well-maintained amenities like laundry rooms contribute to the overall appeal of your property. When tenants enjoy clean and efficiently designed common spaces, it fosters a sense of pride in their living environment, increasing positive reviews about your property.
Important Factors to Consider Before Adding Laundry Services
Space and Setup
Evaluate your property’s available space to determine the type of laundry services you can offer. For smaller apartment buildings, an efficient shared laundry room may work best.
Multiple laundry rooms or in-unit washers and dryers might be more feasible for larger complexes.
Equipment and Payment Systems
Invest in reliable washers and dryers that can handle frequent use. Leasing options allow you to source durable coin-operated or app-enabled machines without substantial upfront costs.
Virtual payment systems are especially appealing to modern renters.
Maintenance and Upkeep
A clean, functional laundry room showcases your commitment to tenant satisfaction. Regular maintenance prevents downtime, repairs, or potential tenant complaints.
Partnering with a laundry service provider can simplify this process by managing equipment repairs and replacements.
Tenant Preferences and Needs
Understand your tenant demographic. Young professionals often value app-enabled payment options, while families may prioritize large-capacity machines. Survey potential tenants to ensure you’re meeting their expectations.
Costs and Revenue Opportunities
Running laundry facilities incurs utility expenses, often offset by charging per-use fees or generating supplemental income through higher rent. Analyze your budget carefully to balance costs against potential revenue.
How to Design the Perfect Laundry Room
Equipment Matters
Invest in efficient washers and dryers that reduce water and energy consumption. Look for machines from reliable brands with built-in service monitoring to ease maintenance.
Comfort Is Key
Tenants often spend time waiting for loads to finish. Enhance their experience by adding comfortable seating and entertainment options like Wi-Fi or a small TV in the laundry area.
Accessibility and Safety
Ensure the space is well-lit, adequately ventilated, and accessible to tenants with disabilities. Features like ramps, wide doorways, and user-friendly machines help create an inclusive environment for everyone.
Keep It Clean
Regularly cleaning floors, machines, and filters ensures the space is hygienic and appealing. Cleanliness goes a long way in maintaining tenant trust and satisfaction.
Why Laundry Services Are Essential for Your Property
Do you know that on-site laundry facilities can be the most used amenities in apartment buildings? While gyms, outdoor spaces, and pools are nice to have, laundry services fulfill a core need that impacts daily life.
Convenient laundry services are a significant selling point for potential tenants.
Whether they're comparing your apartment building against others or deciding to renew their lease, having access to reliable laundry facilities plays a crucial role
Real Estate Benefits for Property Managers and Landlords
Increase Property Value
By offering modern laundry facilities, you can enhance the perceived value of your property. Properties with well-maintained essential amenities are more attractive to investors and tenants alike.
Lower Vacancy Rates
Happy tenants stick around longer, reducing costly turnovers. Laundry amenities improve retention, which means fewer vacant units and lower marketing costs.
Attract Positive Reviews
An excellent laundry setup can produce positive reviews on Google or Yelp. These reviews not only help with tenant retention, but they can also attract new renters looking for functional and tenant-friendly amenities.
Gain a Competitive Edge
When tenants choose between similar properties, added perks like well-maintained laundry services can provide the extra nudge they need to pick your property
Implementing Laundry Services
Partnering with Laundry Service Providers
Working with a professional laundry provider grants you access to high-quality equipment and long-term maintenance solutions. Partners often offer benefits like app-enabled payments, revenue-sharing programs, and customized setups tailored to your property needs.
Installing Efficient Layouts
Design your laundry area with a focus on convenience and ease of use. Efficient layouts reduce tenant wait times and optimize available space.
Promoting the Amenity
Make sure to highlight your laundry services in property listings. Mention the convenience, features like Wi-Fi access, and accessible payment options to capture tenant interest.
What Modern Tenants Expect
Today’s tenants demand reliable, convenient laundry services at their rental properties. Here’s what they value most:
Clean and well-maintained facilities
Transparent, affordable pricing
Energy-efficient machines that reduce their environmental footprint
24/7 access for greater flexibility and convenience
Elevate Your Property’s Value with Laundry Amenities
Providing laundry services at your property isn’t just about making tenants’ lives easier—it’s about boosting your property’s value and marketability.
From creating a positive community environment to generating additional revenue, the benefits of offering laundry amenities are clear.
Take action today by integrating laundry services into your property. Whether you’re a landlord managing a single building or a property manager overseeing multiple units, this small investment could create significant results.
Contact PropM Inc. and start planning your laundry room design today. Watch your tenant satisfaction—and your property’s potential—grow!
Other Resources:
Top Features to Look for in Portland’s Single Family Property Management Services
