If you own rental properties, you know how important it is to maintain the home’s major appliances. Appliances that are well-maintained not only last longer but also help keep tenants satisfied and reduce the need for expensive repairs. On the other hand, worn-out or poorly functioning appliances can lead to tenant complaints, higher turnover, and unexpected expenses. Understanding which appliances tend to wear out the fastest can help you know when to replace major appliances and protect your investment.
Contents of This Article:
- Why Should You Invest in High-End Appliances?
- Which Major Appliances Receive the Most Damage?
- How Often Should You Replace Major Appliances?
- Tips for Increasing the Longevity of Major Appliances
- Leave Maintenance and Repairs to the Professionals
Why Should You Invest in High-End Appliances?
Rental property management companies in Northern Virginia know that investing in high-end appliances for your rental property can be a smart move.
After all, high-end appliances are generally built with better materials and more reliable technology, which helps them withstand frequent use and last longer than older, standard models. They also tend to be better in terms of energy efficiency, which helps save money over time.
Additionally, upgraded appliances can increase the value and appeal of a rental property, making it more desirable for prospective tenants. While the initial cost of installing these appliances may be higher, the long-term savings, reduced repair needs, and added property value can make the investment worthwhile.
Which Major Appliances Receive the Most Damage?
Some major appliances tend to endure more wear and tear than others, especially in rental properties. Frequent use, inconsistent maintenance, and tenant turnover can all contribute to damage to appliances in rental properties. Here are some of the major appliances that receive the most damage.
- Refrigerator- Fridges experience damage to door seals, compressors, and cooling systems, especially if they’re being opened often, overloaded, and not cleaned regularly.
- Dishwasher – Dishwashers can get clogged filters, broken spray arms, and leaky seals, especially when tenants fail to rinse dishes properly before loading them into the machine.
- Washer and Dryer- Washers and dryers can have drum issues, motor problems, and lint buildup, especially when machines are overloaded, or vents aren’t cleaned regularly.
- Oven/Stovetop- Ovens and stovetops can develop issues with heating components and burners from heavy use, spills, and grease buildup.
- HVAC Unit- HVAC units can wear faster with dirty filters, blocked vents, and a lack of routine servicing, which puts extra strain on the system.
- Garbage Disposal- Garbage disposals are easily damaged by improper use, like grinding non-food items, fibrous vegetables, or pouring grease down the drain.
How Often Should You Replace Major Appliances?
Replacing appliances in a rental property is inevitable. However, most landlords want to get the most out of their appliances before having to buy new ones. Here are some of the major appliances landlords are responsible for and signs it’s time to replace them.
| Appliance | Typical Replacement Timeline | Signs it’s Time to Replace |
| Refrigerator | 10 to 15 years | Inconsistent temperatures, loud noises, frequent repairs |
| Washer/Dryer | 8 to 12 years | Leaks, failure to spin properly, long drying times, overheating, loud noises |
| Dishwasher | 8 to 10 years | Persistent leaks, poor cleaning, strange noises |
| Oven/Stovetop | 10 to 15 years | Inconsistent heating, broken burners, frequent error codes |
| HVAC Unit | 15 to 20 years | Rising energy bills, uneven heating and cooling, frequent repairs |
| Garbage Disposal | 8 to 12 years | Frequent clogs, strange noises, slow draining, persistent odors |
Tips for Increasing the Longevity of Major Appliances
Keeping up with regular maintenance and encouraging tenants to take care of your rental appliances can significantly extend their lifespan and save you money. Here are a few tips for increasing the longevity of major appliances in rental properties.
- Provide Clear Instructions – When a new tenant moves in, you may want to give them a manual or a simple guide on how to use and care for each appliance properly.
- Schedule Routine Maintenance- You’ll want to schedule regular inspections to check on appliances like the HVAC system, water heater, and washer/dryer to catch small issues early.
- Encourage Proper Use – In your lease agreement, remind tenants not to overload washers or dishwashers and to regularly clean lint traps and filters.
- Invest in Durable Models- Not all appliances are built to last. So, choose appliances designed for heavy use in rental properties, as they often hold up better over time.
- Address Repairs Immediately- You’ll want to fix minor issues as soon as they arise to prevent bigger, more costly problems down the line. Remember, spending a little to fix is better than spending a lot to replace.
Worry Less About Maintenance With PPM
Knowing when to replace major appliances is crucial for landlords and property managers. With that, teaching tenants how to care for appliances is just as important. Proper care and maintenance can increase the longevity of your rental property’s appliances. If you’re looking for someone to help take care of rental property maintenance, consider hiring a professional management company.
Professional Property Management in Northern Virginia can help you keep your properties in top-notch shape, 24/7. If you’re looking for full-service property management to help reduce vacancies, stay on top of maintenance, collect payments, and more, contact PPM today.
