Multi-Housing
Laundromat
On-Premises
A Property Manager’s Guide to Smarter Income
If you're managing a multi-housing property, you've probably asked yourself at some point: Is this laundry room really worth the hassle?
Between broken machines, resident complaints, refund requests, and keeping everything clean and running, laundry can feel like more trouble than it's worth. A shared laundry room solution is the best option for many property managers. That's where laundry room revenue sharing comes in.
A laundry room revenue sharing program offers a solution: you retain ownership of the space, partner with a professional laundry service provider, and receive a share of the revenue without having to manage the equipment yourself.
In this post, we'll break down how outsourcing laundry room management works, what you're responsible for (spoiler: not much), and why more and more property managers are handing over the keys to their laundry room and seeing bigger returns.
What Is a Laundry Revenue Sharing Program?
A laundry room revenue sharing program is a shared laundry room solution where a property manager partners with a laundry service provider to install and maintain machines in a shared laundry room. The provider keeps a portion of the revenue and pays the property a monthly share, without requiring the property owner to buy or maintain the equipment.
Outsourcing laundry room management turns your laundry room into a reliable income stream without adding to your daily workload. It's commonly used in apartment buildings, student housing, and senior living communities.
How Does Laundry Revenue Sharing Work?
In a standard laundry room revenue sharing program:
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The laundry provider (that's us!) installs commercial-grade washers and dryers
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The property provides space and utilities
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The provider collects payments and maintains the machines
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Revenue from laundry use is split between the provider and the property owner
You earn a monthly income based on how often your residents use your laundry room. We handle equipment installation, service, and resident support.
What Do Property Managers Get in a Revenue Sharing Agreement?
Most programs include the following at no cost to the property:
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Professional installation and setup
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Regular maintenance and service
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Direct resident support for refunds and machine issues
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Transparent monthly revenue reports
How Is the Revenue Split?
You and your laundry partner agree on a revenue share percentage. In many cases, it's a 50/50 split, though that can vary depending on property size, equipment needs, and other details. Every outsourced laundry room management contract is different, but a typical 50/50 split of revenue would look like this:
| Monthly Laundry Revenue | Provider's Share | Property's Share |
| $1,200 | $600 | $600 |
| $800 | $400 | $400 |
| $1,500 | $750 | $750 |
Why Do Property Managers Use Revenue Sharing?
Property managers choose revenue sharing because it offers:
1. Passive Income: You earn money from your laundry room without spending time managing machines.
2. No Capital Costs: There are no equipment costs to purchase, install, or service.
3. Happier Residents: Modern equipment, digital payment options, and fast service reduce complaints.
4. Fewer Maintenance Calls: The laundry vendor handles everything from service issues to refunds.
5. Reliable Reporting: You get clear records of income and machine usage.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Revenue Sharing in the Laundry Industry?
Pros:
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No upfront investment required
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Equipment, service, and support included
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Steady monthly income from a space you already own
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Improved tenant satisfaction with upgraded laundry amenities
Cons:
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Long-term contracts may limit flexibility
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Utility costs are often still covered by the property
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You share, rather than keep, 100% of the revenue
What Should You Look for in a Revenue Sharing Partner?
When comparing shared laundry room vendors, ask the following:
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How long is the contract term?
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What is the revenue split or payment structure?
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Who handles repairs, and how quickly?
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Will equipment be upgraded over time?
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How is revenue tracked and reported?
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What happens if the property is sold?
Choose a provider that offers transparent reporting, responsive service, and contract flexibility.
Is a Laundry Revenue Sharing Program Right for My Property?
Revenue sharing works best for:
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Apartment buildings with shared laundry rooms
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Student housing and dorm-style properties
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Senior living or assisted living communities
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Affordable housing or workforce rental units
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Any building with 10 or more units and consistent laundry usage
Even smaller buildings may benefit, depending on occupancy and laundry demand.
Final Thoughts
A laundry revenue sharing program can turn a once-overlooked amenity into a profitable, low-maintenance asset. With the right partner, you can upgrade your laundry room, reduce your workload, and generate reliable monthly income without taking on new responsibilities.
Want to see what your laundry room could earn? Stop by our Alsip, IL, showroom, or call one of our experienced team members today at 1-708-540-2047!
