Can You Rent-to-Own a Washer and Dryer? Everything You Need to Know
VRTO Editorial
VRTO Editorial Team
Written by RTO industry professionals
Yes, you can rent-to-own a washer and dryer — and appliances are one of the most common and most defensible uses of rent-to-own. When your washing machine breaks, you need clean clothes for work and school this week, not in three months when you have saved up enough to buy a replacement. That immediacy is exactly what RTO is designed for.
VRTO (Virtual Rent To Own) maintains the largest directory of rent-to-own stores in America. This guide covers everything you need to know about renting to own laundry appliances — costs, what to look for, and how to get the best deal.
Why Appliances Are the Strongest Case for RTO
Among all the product categories available through rent-to-own — furniture, electronics, jewelry, tires — appliances represent the most financially defensible choice. The reason is simple: a broken washer or dryer is not a want; it is an immediate household necessity. Consider the alternative costs:
- Laundromat costs — the average American family spends $1,500 to $2,000 per year at a laundromat, according to the Coin Laundry Association. That is more than most RTO washer agreements.
- Time cost — a laundromat trip takes 2 to 3 hours per load, including travel. For a family doing 4 to 5 loads per week, that is 8 to 15 hours of lost time.
- Transportation cost — hauling laundry requires a car or rideshare, adding gas, wear, or fare costs
- Work disruption — without clean work clothes, job performance and attendance can suffer
When you calculate the true cost of not having a washing machine, the RTO premium becomes much easier to justify.
What Does It Cost to Rent-to-Own a Washer and Dryer?
Based on current pricing from major RTO providers reported by APRO, here are typical costs for laundry appliances:
| Appliance | Cash Price | Weekly Payment | Term | Total RTO Cost | Markup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top-load washer (standard) | $450-$600 | $15-$22 | 12-18 months | $780-$1,150 | 1.7x-1.9x |
| Front-load washer (HE) | $650-$900 | $22-$32 | 12-18 months | $1,150-$1,660 | 1.8x-1.9x |
| Electric dryer (standard) | $400-$550 | $14-$20 | 12-18 months | $730-$1,040 | 1.8x-1.9x |
| Gas dryer | $500-$700 | $18-$25 | 12-18 months | $940-$1,300 | 1.8x-1.9x |
| Washer + dryer set | $850-$1,200 | $28-$42 | 12-18 months | $1,460-$2,180 | 1.7x-1.8x |
Sets are often a better deal per unit than renting each appliance separately. Ask your store about bundle pricing.
What Is Included in Your RTO Agreement
One of the most overlooked benefits of renting to own appliances is what is bundled into your weekly payment at no extra charge:
- Free delivery — most stores deliver within 24 to 48 hours, including hauling the appliance up stairs if needed
- Free installation — the delivery team will hook up water lines, vent the dryer, and test that everything works
- Free maintenance and repairs — this is the big one. If your rented washer breaks at any point during the lease, the store will repair or replace it at no cost. A single washer repair averages $150 to $400, according to HomeAdvisor data.
- Free haul-away of old units — many stores will remove your broken appliance when they deliver the new one
- Option to return anytime — if your financial situation changes, you return the appliance and owe nothing further
Top-Load vs. Front-Load: Which to Choose
This is one of the biggest decisions when renting a washer. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Top-Load | Front-Load |
|---|---|---|
| Cash price | $450-$600 (lower) | $650-$900 (higher) |
| Weekly RTO payment | $15-$22 | $22-$32 |
| Water usage | Higher (30-40 gallons/load) | Lower (15-20 gallons/load) |
| Energy efficiency | Standard | Higher (ENERGY STAR rated) |
| Wash quality | Good | Better (gentler on clothes) |
| Capacity | 3.5-4.5 cu ft | 4.2-5.0 cu ft |
| Maintenance | Lower (fewer mold issues) | Higher (requires door-open drying between loads) |
For RTO specifically, top-load washers are often the smarter choice because the lower cash price means lower weekly payments and a cheaper early purchase buyout. Front-load is worth the premium if your household does large loads regularly or if water costs in your area are high.
Energy Efficiency Matters for Your Utility Bills
The appliance cost is not the only expense. According to the Department of Energy, a standard washer costs $50 to $70 per year in electricity, and a dryer costs $60 to $80. ENERGY STAR certified models can cut those costs by 25% to 30%. Over an 18-month RTO term, an energy-efficient washer and dryer pair could save $40 to $60 in utility costs.
When comparing models at the store, ask about the yellow EnergyGuide label. The estimated annual operating cost is printed directly on it.
How to Get the Best Deal
Follow these steps to minimize your total cost when renting to own laundry appliances:
- Compare prices first — check the retail price on Amazon, Lowe's, or Home Depot before visiting the RTO store. This helps you evaluate the markup.
- Ask about the 90-day early purchase option — if you can buy out within 90 days, your total cost may equal the retail price. Plan for this if possible. Read our full EPO guide for strategies.
- Rent a set — washer-dryer bundles typically have lower combined weekly payments than renting each separately
- Compare multiple stores — use the VRTO store directory to find every RTO option near you. Terms and prices can vary significantly.
- Ask about promotions — many stores offer first-week-free or reduced first-month deals, especially around holidays and back-to-school season
- Choose top-load if cost is the priority — the lower cash price translates directly into lower RTO payments
Where to Rent-to-Own a Washer and Dryer
Laundry appliances are available through virtually every rent-to-own provider in the country:
- Rent-A-Center — approximately 1,900 locations with a wide selection of washer and dryer brands
- Aaron's — approximately 1,300 locations with brand-name appliances from Samsung, Whirlpool, and Maytag
- Buddy's Home Furnishings — regional chain with strong appliance selection
- Independent RTO stores — thousands of locally owned stores often offer competitive pricing and personal service
- Virtual RTO (Progressive Leasing, Acima) — apply at checkout at Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy, and other major retailers to rent-to-own the exact model you want
What Happens If the Washer Breaks?
This is where RTO shines compared to a cash purchase. If your rented washer breaks for any reason — mechanical failure, electrical issue, normal wear — the store is responsible for repairing or replacing it at no additional cost. You call the store, they send a technician (usually within 1 to 3 business days), and the problem gets fixed. If the unit cannot be repaired, you get a comparable replacement.
Compare that to buying a washer outright: a repair call averages $150 to $400, and if the unit is beyond repair after the manufacturer's warranty expires (typically 1 year), you are out of luck and out of pocket.
The Bottom Line
Renting to own a washer and dryer is one of the most practical uses of RTO. Clean clothes are not a luxury — they are a daily necessity for work, school, and basic dignity. If your laundry appliance breaks and you cannot afford to replace it outright or qualify for store financing, RTO gets you a working machine within 24 hours with no credit check, free delivery, and full maintenance coverage.
Use the VRTO payment calculator to estimate your weekly cost, and browse our appliance category page or store directory to find RTO providers near you.
