In San Francisco most renters ideally want an apartment with an open social kitchen. A kitchen where friends and family can be entertained and enjoy each others company. As such large attractive and upgraded kitchens extending into another room are in huge demand and will secure higher rents or occupancy rates. Great appliances play an important role in this kitchen.

So what is upgraded? When are your seemingly great appliances out of style? In San Francisco, rental housing can be either brand new or comprised of older, historic Edwardian or Victorian charmers. In these older homes ranges can be as old as the house! When communicating with both landlords and tenants we typically utilize a 10 year window to define upgraded. Of course it just about the age since higher quality appliances tend to maintain their style for longer periods of time. For example look at the two Wolf Stoves in the photo associated with this posting. The 2015 version has a lower profile but besides this its an indistinguishable difference.

Fun Facts:

• 5 years- Number of years ovens in rental homes are depreciated
• 10-15 years- Number of years most ovens will last. See article
• Most appliance companies do not refer to the year a particular unit was manufactured.  Just try to look up “10 year old Viking Stove”.