I want to install a washer/dryer combo in my co-op apartment. What do I need to know about the approval process, what kind of laundry machines should I get, and how much will they cost?
A washer/dryer of your very own is on most co-op owners’ wish lists. Carrying loads of laundry up and down from your building’s basement—or back and forth to the local laundromat—can get tiresome quickly. However, if you’re thinking of forking over cash to install a laundry combo unit in your New York City apartment, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Before you allocate closet space for your new appliances, you’ll need permission from your board or building management. The concerns are valid: Some older plumbing systems aren’t equipped to handle the workload of a washing machine in every apartment, and in buildings that allow them, machine placement can raise safety and damage concerns.
Assuming you can get board approval—itself a tall order—you’ll need to choose the correct location and appliances for your situation and stay on the right side of NYC’s building codes.
The following expert guidance will help you figure out your options.
[Editor’s note: An earlier version of this post was published in November 2025. We are presenting it with updated information for October 2026.]
Check with your board or building
Many NYC buildings—whether rentals, co-ops, or condos—do not allow in-unit washer/dryers. Period. Some co-ops and condos allow them only on a case-by-case basis, while others have blanket policies. Always get approval from your board or building management before installing them; otherwise, consequences can range from having the machines removed to incurring thousands of dollars in fines if a fire or flood in a neighbor’s unit is linked to the installation.
In older buildings, waste pipes may be too small or packed with sediment, or the building or a specific apartment line may already have drainage issues. So adding suds can cause backups that affect nearby apartments.
Furthermore, if your washing machine malfunctions or overflows, it can cause damage to the floors below. This is why many buildings require a containment pan under the washing machine, along with an overflow sensor in the pan and an automatic shut-off valve.
According to architect Jorge Fontan, founder of Fontan Architecture, some buildings may require a waterproof membrane under the finished floor that extends at least six inches up the walls. He also recommended including soundproofing underlayments when installing new floors; if not, you can install the machines on sound-isolating pads to help absorb vibrations.
Dryers can present their own hazards, as discussed below. Should you get the coveted go-ahead, you’ll still need to be mindful of Department of Building compliance (also covered below).
Beware of wet-over-dry restrictions
Once you’ve confirmed your building allows in-unit washer/dryers, you’ll need to follow its specific rules.
“Ask your managing agent or board if self-managed for a copy of the alteration agreement and any guidelines for the installation,” said Michael Wolfe, president of Wolfe Realty Services, which specializes in board advisory and management.
One important consideration is the building’s wet-over-dry rules, restricting where you can install a washing machine. The concern is that a leak could damage a “dry” space, such as a bedroom, in the apartment below. If all the units in your line share the same layout, this will be easy to predict—but not if you or your downstairs neighbors have made alterations. Always seek guidance from the board or property manager on this matter.
For this reason, the machines will most likely need to be located in or near a “wet” space, typically a kitchen or bathroom, where they can be close to the waste and supply pipes (also known as the “stack”). An adjacent closet is another common option, though you may not want to give up that precious storage space.
Wolfe said some buildings have relaxed wet-over-dry restrictions when appropriate safeguards are incorporated into the installation. Specifically, he pointed to modern waterproofing systems, such as full-pan waterproof membranes (including Schluter or Laticrete), leak-detection sensors or shut-off valves, or proper pitch and secondary drains.
Stacked vs. side-by-side units
Often, the most logical place for these appliances is in a second, full bath—such as by replacing a tub with a shower stall and a stacked washer/dryer. Another option is to convert an entire half-bath into a laundry station.
Some owners install washer/dryers in the kitchen, close to plumbing and gas lines. On the downside, space can be tighter, and many units are taller than a typical counter height.
An all-in-one washer/dryer is another space-saving option, though consumer reviews (and our own in-house experience) suggest that the dryer can take as much as three times longer than a regular dryer, meaning you’ll need to do smaller loads at a time—and forget about washing large items like comforters.
Be sure to comply with the DOB
When installing a new washing machine, the city’s Department of Buildings requires a master plumber to obtain a permit and do the work. Depending on the scope—for example, if you’re altering a closet or the electrical or plumbing lines—you may need to get additional permits.
Gas machines have a whole other set of issues: You’ll need to tap into an existing legal gas line and provide adequate ventilation, which is why these models are typically put in a windowed bathroom or kitchen.
The DOB also allows gas appliances in closets, provided the code requirements for ventilation are met (for example, by connecting to the building’s mechanical system). The closet must also have a sprinkler head in buildings that require a full sprinkler system. The same rules apply to an electric dryer.
Keep in mind that under Local Law 154, any large building built after 2027 is prohibited from using gas appliances, including dryers.
To clarify the all-electric point: Local Law 154 covers new construction, not existing buildings. Smaller new buildings have been covered since 2024, and new building applications of any height filed on or after July 2nd, 2027, must be all-electric.
For an existing co-op, a gas dryer that’s already there will be grandfathered in, but Wolfe said he expects more boards to say no to new gas lines for dryers going forward.
You’ll need a final DOB inspection for all gas and electric work to ensure it’s done properly.
Going with gas or electric dryers
Energy Star-rated appliances are the most efficient. According to Energy Star guidance, gas dryers typically have a slightly higher price tag and may cost less to operate while electric dryers may be slightly cheaper to purchase initially, but can be more expensive to run.
Like most electric dryers, gas models require venting to the outside; they also need a dedicated gas line, which may not always be practical and could increase installation costs.
Wolfe pointed to vented or ventless heat-pump dryers as the default choice for approval, especially for shareholder renovations.
“Heat-pump dryers are efficient, compact, and don’t require exterior venting, making them ideal for older buildings trying to comply with Local Law 97 and DOB codes,” he said.
That said, most standard-size electric units require a 240-volt outlet, which can be challenging to accommodate in older buildings. In these cases, the more compact dryers on the market need only a 120-volt wall outlet.
Either way, you’ll need to address lint buildup (more on this below). You may also need to wipe down ventless appliances regularly—and once every few years, you might have to disassemble the unit and clean the inner workings thoroughly.
The pros and cons of high-efficiency machines
High-efficiency washing machines—designated by “HE” on the label—generally use less water and require specific detergents that produce fewer suds, making them easier on plumbing systems and the environment. Indeed, certain buildings allow only these models.
Beware of a couple of potential downsides: Some owners complain of mildew problems after prolonged use. It’s best to keep the washer door slightly ajar between uses to allow the interior to dry out. The wash cycle is also longer than usual, trying the patience of many users. On the plus side, drying time will be shorter, thanks to these machines’ extra water-extraction capabilities.
Why the lint filter needs to be cleaned diligently
Lint buildup can be hazardous—you’re combining heat and a flammable substance in tight proximity. Clean the lint filter after every use, as the appliance’s owner’s manual typically requires.
You may also want a professional to inspect the exhaust areas and remove lint buildup annually or every other year. A dryer inspection typically costs less than $100; cleaning can add an additional $200. It’s a small investment that can prevent much higher costs later and is a critical step in protecting yourself and your neighbors.
If your appliance vents to the outside, be especially cautious with longer ducts with “elbows,” where lint can harden or even get wet from condensation. One solution is to add a booster fan at the midpoint or an exhaust fan at the end during installation. You can also cut out a thin section of the duct and add a second, removable lint trap to catch build-up. Hire a professional to advise you on what’s warranted.
And consider buying a machine that can automatically shut down in the event of a fire—many newer models have this safety feature.
How much to budget for
Adding a stackable washer/dryer to a closet space could cost around $7,000. That includes the cost of running new plumbing and electrical lines to the space. However, you may be able to cut some of that cost if you can use existing lines, such as in a bathroom or kitchen.
Be prepared to spend between $1,600 and $3,000 for an apartment-size washer/dryer combo from manufacturers like GE or Frigidaire. (The recommended combo by at least one source is this GE model, listed at $2,999.)
Maytag is a bit cheaper, with full-size, front-loading, matched stackable units ranging from $749 to over $1,000, so you’d need to double that price for the set.
Electrolux stackable washers and dryers start at around $1,000 each; stacked combos range from $2,099 to $2,799.
Miele stacked machines start at about $4,000.
Bosch’s compact washers and tumble dryers cost $1,349 to $2,199 each, stacked sets $2,897 to $5,077.
A ventless washer/dryer all-in-one combo from LG—often the top-rated option—costs $3,299, while its WashTower stacked units range from $2,699 on up.
As with other home appliances, it’s always a good idea to buy the highest-quality models that fit your budget. Given the average lifespan of a washer/dryer is over 10 years, you’ll spread that investment over the long haul.
And here’s a timely tip: Fall (kicking off on Labor Day) is a great time to score major deals online.
—Earlier versions of this article contained reporting and writing by Tracey Kaler and Mimi O’Connor.
