Greetings from Colorado Springs! My name is Lance Kohler, and I’m the broker-owner of the Cornerstone Real Estate Team. Today, I’d like to talk to you about appliances in rental properties—what’s commonly expected and what landlords should consider providing.
What Appliances Are Common in Colorado Rentals?
1. Stove and Oven
A stove and oven combination is a must-have in almost every rental property. Out of the 500 units we manage, only a few small studios (around three) do not have a stove or oven. In Colorado, tenants expect these appliances to be provided.
2. Refrigerator
Refrigerators are standard and expected in all rental properties, whether it’s a small apartment or a large single-family home. While this expectation varies across the U.S.—for example, in some southern states, tenants provide their own fridge—in Colorado, the landlord typically provides it.
When I lived in California, I had to move my refrigerator from apartment to apartment because it was considered a tenant’s responsibility. That is not the case here in Colorado. Landlords should plan to include a refrigerator in their rental properties.
3. Dishwasher
Dishwashers are becoming more common across all rental types. In our portfolio of 500 properties, only a handful do not have dishwashers.
In single-family homes, dishwashers are almost always expected.
In apartments, they are increasingly included, with many units featuring under-the-counter dishwashers.
If you’re a landlord, I recommend providing a dishwasher, as it’s becoming a rental standard.
4. Washer and Dryer
For single-family homes, washer and dryer hookups are absolutely expected. However, we do not recommend leaving a washer and dryer in the unit for tenant use. You can check out our previous video on why leaving personal property in a rental can be risky.
In apartments and multifamily buildings, laundry setups vary:
Some units have in-unit hookups.
Others offer a shared laundry area with washers and dryers available for tenant use.
In townhomes, where space may be tight, landlords typically provide a stackable washer and dryer if needed.
5. Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is not required in Colorado, but it is becoming more common, especially in newer homes.
Many single-family rentals now have central air conditioning, but some older homes—especially those built before the late 1980s—do not.
In multifamily properties, it’s a mix. Some units have built-in AC, while others rely on window units.
If your rental doesn’t have AC, we recommend allowing tenants to provide their own window unit rather than supplying one yourself. If you provide it, you’ll be responsible for maintenance and replacement. Letting tenants handle their own AC needs gives them flexibility and saves you the hassle.
6. Humidifiers
Colorado Springs has a dry climate, so some single-family homes with central heating come with a built-in humidifier attached to the furnace. This is a great feature that tenants appreciate.
If your property has a built-in humidifier, make sure to educate your tenants on how to use and maintain it. Many people, especially those from humid climates, may not be familiar with it. In contrast, on the East Coast, dehumidifiers are more common due to higher humidity levels.
Knowing what appliances are expected in a rental property can help landlords attract tenants and avoid unnecessary maintenance burdens. Providing the right appliances—while setting clear expectations—creates a better rental experience for both landlords and tenants.
I hope this was helpful. Thanks for reading, and make it a great day!