Washer/Dryer for tenants

We just added a top loading washer and electric dryer for common use in the basement. How much should we charge our tenants (family of four, small children) for the extra water and electric usage? We’ve been using the laundry mat up to this point, so we have no idea… Thanks for any leads!

renovatingdrama

in Real Estate - Rentals 13 years and 10 months ago

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renovatingdrama | 13 years and 10 months ago

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Thanks for the input, everybody. Considering that the tenants have been here for over 6 years with only one tiny rent increase, I want to charge them a minimal amount. As for the washer/dryer we own: we got it for free, even though it was a new unit. Being European, I would never buy a top loader myself… (but on that same token, gas dryers make me extremely uncomfortable to this day, but that’s just my personal paranoia).

needmtg | 13 years and 10 months ago

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First of all, it was *not a good idea* to install either a Top loader (more water, etc) or, worse, an Electric dryer. The latter will use about $2/load of electricity…compared to about 0.60c if gas. But now you’re stuck with it. 

Agreed it would be ungenerous to charge for it in the middle of the lease. And you say ‘common’…do you use it too? Then definitely don’t charge for it.

vinca | 13 years and 10 months ago

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bobjbkln is right…be generous and, if you find it’s necessary, charge for use and wear when it’s time for lease renewal. A quarterly water bill for a 4-family with a washer/dryer in EACH unit runs around $225/qtr. (i.e., $56.25 per unit per quarter; $18.75 per unit per month). And that includes ALL water use in the building (dishwashers, showers, cooking, heating building, watering garden).

levicapland | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I charge my tenants $20 for use of the machines. You will not be able to figure out exactly how much it will cost you. At the end of the day you are offering them a convenience and collecting some compensation for it. Remember that a happy tenant who pays rent on time is a prime tenant.

NewOwner | 13 years and 10 months ago

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I have no idea how accurate this is, but the website below estimates utility costs to laundry.

http://michaelbluejay.com/electricity/laundry.html

shahnandersen

in Real Estate - Rentals 13 years and 10 months ago

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Be generous.  Can this cost you more than $25/month?  Charge them nothing if they are good tenants that you would like to keep.