Great apartments aren’t always just about the unit itself. Many renters will share stories of finding the “perfect” apartment. They loved everything about the apartment but they still opted to sign a lease at another property. Why? Factors such as lack of security, lack of parking, and, yes, even lack of a decent laundry room. The perks that come along with the apartment are just as important as the unit itself, if not more. Laundry, in particular, is consistently one of the top amenities that renters are looking for in a property. If you really want to stand out from other properties and attract qualified renters, pay attention to the laundry area and other common areas throughout the building. If landlords put the same care into updating and preparing their shared laundry area as they do prepping each unit for a showing, they’d likely be surprised how many more rental applications they get. So what are renters looking for in a community laundry room? Here are a few ideas for landlords and property managers to consider:
1. High-quality commercial laundry equipment
First and foremost, potential renters want access to modern commercial washers and dryers that actually work. After all, that’s why they’re using the community laundry room to begin with. This may seem basic, but many landlords fall short here. Here are some of the common mistakes we see in apartment laundry rooms in regards to equipment:
- Not enough washers and dryers, which results in overcrowding and long wait times
- Old, outdated equipment
- Not fixing or replacing equipment quickly if it requires maintenance or technical support
You can bet that potential renters will take note as they’re considering various properties. All of the above can also quickly cause existing tenants to utilize a nearby laundromat, which means less revenue for you. If the problems are persistent enough, current tenants may even opt to search for another apartment, leading to high turnover and vacant units.
If your shared laundry area is equipped with the latest https://speedqueen.com/support/laundry equipment, don’t be afraid to discuss that with potential clients as well. Fast cycle times, large capacity machines, and eco-friendly features can all be great selling points that often get overlooked.
2. Technology
In our tech-savvy and always-connected culture, integrating technology every step of the way is crucial. Technology in your laundry room can be another great selling point and make life easier for both you and your residents. Some of the most popular and beneficial technologies for apartment laundry rooms are:
- App or card payment systems and loyalty programs
- Customizable wash and dry controls
- Advanced alerts and machine monitoring
If you’re looking to take your public laundry room to the next level and give residents the laundry technology they crave, Speed Queen can help. Speed Queen Insights and Quantum Controls are revolutionizing multi-housing laundry facilities around the world. Our state-of-the-art Quantum Controls allow you to maximize revenue and customer satisfaction with time-of-day and multi-level pricing, cycle modifiers, and other settings that allow them to customize their wash cycles, all with advanced monitoring to help you make the most of your washers and dryers. Speed Queen Insights makes laundry easy for your renters with mobile payments and rewards programs directly through the Speed Queen app, as well as Wash Alert™ which lets them know when their clothes are done without waiting around. Plus, you’ll love the increased monitoring, reporting, and engagement tools that help you make take charge of your laundry room even when you’re not on site.
3. Cleanliness
No one is going to want to do laundry in a dirty laundry room. It’s easy to let cleaning slide in common areas when you’re managing multiple properties. However, there’s really no excuse. It’s in your best interest to make sure these areas are in as good of shape as the units themselves. Here’s why:
- A clean space will help make a positive first impression as potential renters walk in and tour the space for the first time
- A well-kept building is a reflection of how you take care of your properties. If you don’t value your property and keep it up, why should they? Also, if you’re not maintaining these spaces, are you going to be quick to respond if they have a maintenance issue in the unit?
- Clean spaces help prevent and discourage bugs, mice, and other pests
- You’ll lose out on revenue as tenants opt for laundromats or even cleaner apartment complexes
There’s no such thing as “too clean.” Take some time to make sure your laundry room is really reflecting how you want your property to be portrayed.
4. Safety
Safety is a top priority for many renters, especially those with families and young children. It should also be a top concern for property owners and landlords as you look to protect your investment and avoid a costly insurance claim or legal battle. A few safety tips for landlords to consider include:
- Lock the laundry room or building so it’s only accessible to residents.
- Put the laundry room on the first floor or provide an elevator. Stairs can be a potential tripping hazard when carrying large laundry baskets.
- Keep soaps, cleaners, and other chemicals out of reach of young children.
- Make sure the laundry area is well-lit and visible.
- Install security cameras to monitor the room.
All of the above are a great way to give residents and potential renters peace of mind when living in your apartment complex and using the laundry room. Plus, you’ll rest easy knowing that your laundry equipment investment is as protected as possible.
Partner with Speed Queen: With decades of experience and the latest in innovation, let the global leaders in laundry help you create a community laundry room that residents will love. Surpass your tenants’ expectations with Speed Queen.
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