Appliance rentals for landlords and rental units

Small landlords, property managers, student housing operators and short-term or corporate furnished rental providers.

Monthly fees per appliance or per unit package, often on multi-month agreements. Repairs and replacements are included, which keeps landlords paying for convenience.

• Appliance repair or a reliable repair partner
• Sales and contract basics
• Organising stock, deliveries and servicing

• Rental contract and consumer rules vary by province, and Quebec has its own rules, so check with a local advisor
• Commercial general liability insurance and cover for stock held in storage or installed in tenants' homes
• Who is responsible for damage by tenants and who handles repairs and emergency calls
• Gas appliances and electrical hook-ups may need a certified tradesperson, so check provincial requirements
• Large upfront stock costs, so grow only as contracts are signed
• Check GST/HST registration, and WCB/WSIB coverage if you hire a helper or driver

Estimates put startup costs at typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on how much stock you buy and your storage and repair setup. Stock is a large upfront cost, so it is worth growing only as contracts are signed.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many appliance sets are out on rent and the contracts you win. Plan on at least about 20 hours a week.

Check rental contract and consumer rules in your province (Quebec has its own), commercial liability and stock insurance, who pays for tenant damage and repairs, whether gas or electrical hook-ups need a certified tradesperson, and GST/HST and WCB/WSIB requirements.