Renters’ Choice: Airing Their Dirty Laundry

What residents want when it comes to washers and dryers.

Some apartment communities feature in-unit washers and dryers, while others have a communal laundry room. Other properties still don’t include washers and dryers at all. Regardless of where the machines are, laundry is a chore that everyone has to do, so communities definitely benefit from having machines that are clean, efficient and easy to use. This month MHN partnered with Kinglsey associates to find out what residents like about their community’s laundry amenity.

❝It would be nice to have the laundry card machine in the laundry room so it can be accessed outside of office hours. ❞ —Fort Myers, Fla.

❝I would love for the washer/dryer to be in the unit vs. on the first floor. ❞ —Arlington Heights, Ill.

❝The laundry facility needs to be kept cleaner—someone might slip on the floor.❞ —Huntington Beach, Calif.

❝Maintenance should check in on washers/dryers at least once a week because it seems like they are always breaking down. ❞ —Marlborough, Mass.

❝The size of the laundry room is huge, but there are only two washers and two dryers. I have to wash in the middle of the night in order to catch them free.❞ —Alexandria, Va.

❝The laundry facilities are always in use, as there is only one washer and one dryer. I’m wondering if there is any way to increase the number of washers and dryers per floor? I’ve had to wait several days for an opening to do laundry.❞ —Silver Spring, Md..

❝Front-load washers that require one to stoop, bend and kneel to use are not attractive to many seniors. You might want to consider a different approach. ❞ —Huntington Beach, Calif.

❝My laundry was stolen from the laundry room. I am skeptical if it was thrown away or stolen. Either way, that does not make me feel safe or satisfied with
the housing. ❞ —Chevy Chase, Md.

❝Getting quarters for laundry is really annoying. A change machine would be great! ❞ —San Mateo, Calif.

❝We were most appreciative that our dryer was repairedso quickly! ❞ —Houston

❝The laundry card vending machines should acceptcredit cards.❞ —Portland

❝I would pay increased rent to have the option of a washer/dryer in my unit. ❞ —Apopka, Fla.

❝Some colleges have a card with your phone number on it that sends you a text when your laundry is done. Good thing to look into! ❞ —Ft. Myers, Fla.

❝I suggest upgrading the ancient washer and dryer to energy- and water-efficient options to match the quality of the other appliances. ❞ —Arlington, Va.

❝The laundry room lights are turned on from the inside with a timer, there is no way to see if there is someone lurking in the shadows. It needs either a motion-sensitive switch or a switch on the outside to ensure evening safety. ❞ —Alpharetta, Ga.

❝The laundry center is always dirty when I go to use it. Would be nice if it was cleaned more regularly. ❞ —Winston Salem, N.C.

❝I would recommend this property if it had washer/dryer options inside the apartment.❞ —Coram, N.Y.

❝Office hours are really not ideal for my work schedule. I can only load the laundry card on weekends, and the staff is frequently out of office during apartment tours.❞ —Alexandria, Va.