Washer and dryer rentals for tenants
Rent refurbished washers and dryers to local tenants for a monthly fee, starting with a handful of units.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the US, not guarantees.
Official data
4,436 US businesses with employees in this field, -9.6% in a year
NAICS 532210 “Consumer electronics and appliances rental”. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023.
What it is
You buy used or refurbished washers, dryers and small fridges, store them at home, and rent them out by the month. You deliver, hook them up, and fix or swap them if they break.
Your first three steps
- Check local classifieds and appliance resellers for used units and price a few, then work out a monthly fee from what nearby rental companies charge
- Write a simple rental agreement covering deposit, repairs, pickup and late payments, and have a local attorney review it
- Rent out your first two or three units through neighborhood groups and online marketplaces, and ask landlords in your zip code to pass on your details
Who pays
Tenants in apartments or rentals with no laundry hookups, plus people between homes and landlords who don't want to buy appliances.
How it makes money
A flat monthly rental fee per appliance, often with a small delivery or installation fee. Each unit pays back its cost over several months of rental.
Skills that help
- Basic appliance repair and testing
- Safe lifting and hookups
- Reliable customer service
Watch out for
- General liability insurance, and check whether it covers rented equipment and fire or water damage
- Some states regulate rent-to-own or rental-purchase agreements, so check your state's rules before offering any ownership option
- Check your city or county for a business license and any home occupation or HOA limits on storing appliances at home
- Your lease may restrict hookups, so confirm whether the tenant's landlord allows an installed washer
- Heavy lifting and damaged returns, so plan for deposits and wear
Deep research report · US
Everything you need to start: washer and dryer rentals for tenants
Researched with live web search for United States: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a washer and dryer rental side hustle?
Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $6,000, depending on how many units you buy and how you store and move them. Monthly revenue is typically around $300 to $2,000, depending on units rented and pricing. These are estimates.
Do I need a license to rent out washers and dryers?
Check your city or county for a business license and any home occupation or HOA limits on storing appliances at home. Also check your state's rules on rent-to-own agreements before offering any ownership option, and what your insurance covers.
What skills do I need and how much time does it take?
Useful skills are basic appliance repair and testing, safe lifting and hookups, and reliable customer service. Time is typically at least around 6 hours a week to start. Plan for deposits and wear from damaged returns.
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