[freetime2]

I would also add rent control laws as a possible reason for not renovating more apartments with washing machines. Many of the older buildings in San Francisco have tenants who have been living there for decades and pay rents that are well below market rates. Landlords have little incentive to make improvements since they can't easily raise rents. And tenants have little incentive to shop for a nicer apartment if it means losing their below-market rates.

When the tenant does finally move out, it's not uncommon for the landlord to renovate, add modern amenities, and raise prices significantly. Hence in-unit washing machines are on the rise and laundromats are on the decline. But it takes a long time for the process to play out.