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Appliance Replacement Budget Calculator

Rental appliances have 8-15 year lifespans and cost $400-$2,500 each installed. Skipping a failing appliance at turn costs more in days-vacant and mid-tenancy emergency replacements. This calculator budgets replacement cost and the monthly reserve that should be built.

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Full replacement cost (at once)

$4,050

Monthly reserve

$27

Fridge reserve /mo

$6.60

Range reserve /mo

$4.86

Dishwasher reserve /mo

$4.58

Microwave reserve /mo

$2.60

Washer reserve /mo

$4.86

Dryer reserve /mo

$3.87

How the math works

Full suite replacement: ~$4,050 installed. Monthly reserve: $29. That's $350/yr to stay ahead of appliance replacements on a 6-appliance unit.

Budget the reserve in a separate sub-account so you're not tempted to spend it. Hit a failing appliance and pay from the reserve — no mid-year cash flow shock.

How to Use

  1. Enter replacement cost and expected life for each appliance.
  2. See total replacement cost at turn and monthly reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a rental-grade appliance budget?

Full set (fridge, range, dishwasher, microwave): $2,200-$3,200 installed. Include washer/dryer: add $1,200-$1,800. Luxury stainless upgrade: +$1,500-$2,500 total for a 1-bedroom.

Do newer appliances increase rent?

Yes by 2-4% if truly new (matching stainless look). After first year, they're just 'normal.' Budget once, enjoy higher rent for the full life, don't upgrade every turn.

Repair or replace?

Appliances 6+ years old: replace. Appliances 3-5 years old with one issue: repair once (typical $125-$275 repair). Two issues same year: replace. Emergency landlord replacements always cost more; pre-emptive end-of-life replacement at turn is cheapest.

Do I have to provide appliances?

Not legally — tenants can provide their own. But in practice, 90%+ of rentals include fridge and range. Dishwasher is increasingly expected in units over $1,500/mo. Washer/dryer is a premium feature worth $75-$150/mo of rent.

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