For a landlord, the best water heater is the one that never generates a 2 a.m. call. Tankless units take less space than tanks, hold up well when maintained, and are easy for a plumber to service when isolation valves are installed. These three picks fit the most common rental setups: a gas unit inside a utility closet, an outdoor gas unit for a small multifamily building, and a compact electric unit for apartments.
We compared flow, placement, serviceability and features using manufacturer specifications and owner feedback. For upkeep tips see the best tankless water heater easy maintenance guide, or start with the best tankless water heater; our Editorial Policy explains how we choose. Gas units need licensed installation and working CO alarms.
Top 3 Tankless Water Heaters for Rental Property
Rinnai RUCS75iN 7.5 GPM Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
- 7.5 GPM
- Indoor
- Rinnai
Rinnai REP199eN Smart-Circ Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
- Smart-Circ pump
- 7.9 GPM
- Outdoor
Eemax EEM24013 13kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater
- 13kW
- Compact
- No venting
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Rental Property Tankless Water Heaters Compared
| # | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Rinnai RUCS75iN 7.5 GPM Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater |
| Check Latest Price |
| 2 |  Rinnai REP199eN Smart-Circ Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater |
| Check Latest Price |
| 3 |  Eemax EEM24013 13kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater |
| Check Latest Price |
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1. Rinnai RUCS75iN 7.5 GPM Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Best Indoor Gas
- Up to 7.5 GPM
- Multiple venting options
- Compact, durable design
- Rinnai service network
- Natural gas only
- Indoor venting
- Fuel: natural gas
- Flow: up to 7.5 GPM
- Model: RUCS75iN
Rinnai’s RUCS75iN fits a utility closet in a single-family rental.
It supplies whole-house hot water.
Who the Rinnai RUCS75iN fits best
Single-family rentals.
Who should skip the Rinnai RUCS75iN
Propane properties.
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2. Rinnai REP199eN Smart-Circ Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater
Best Outdoor Gas
- Built-in recirculation pump
- Smart-Circ learns use patterns
- 199,000 BTU, up to 7.9 GPM
- Outdoor install saves interior space
- Freeze planning
- Natural gas only
- Fuel: natural gas
- Flow: up to 7.9 GPM
- Model: REP199eN
Smart-Circ cuts hot water wait times for tenants.
Outdoor mounting keeps the unit out of units.
Who the Rinnai REP199eN fits best
Duplexes in mild climates.
Who should skip the Rinnai REP199eN
Cold regions.
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3. Eemax EEM24013 13kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater
Best Electric
- 13kW self-modulating
- Compact wall mount
- No venting
- Digital temperature display
- Mid-size flow
- Needs 240V wiring
- Power: 13kW, 240V
- Control: digital display
- Model: EEM24013
Eemax’s compact unit suits apartments without gas.
Verify sizing for your climate.
Who the Eemax EEM24013 fits best
Apartments.
Who should skip the Eemax EEM24013
Large homes.
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Landlord Checklist
- Install isolation valves for fast service.
- Schedule yearly flushing.
- Lock temperature at about 120°F.
- Keep CO alarms working.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tankless water heater for a rental property?
The Rinnai RUCS75iN for indoor gas installs.
Are tankless heaters good for rentals?
Yes, with yearly maintenance.
Electric or gas for apartments?
Electric if no gas; check wiring.
How often should I service it?
Flush yearly in hard water.
Final Verdict: Best Tankless Water Heater for Rental Property
The Rinnai RUCS75iN is the best tankless water heater for most rental properties. The Rinnai REP199eN is the best outdoor pick, and the Eemax EEM24013 is best for apartments.
Indoor gas: Rinnai RUCS75iN 7.5 GPM Indoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Check Latest Price
Outdoor gas: Rinnai REP199eN Smart-Circ Outdoor Natural Gas Tankless Water Heater Check Latest Price
Electric: Eemax EEM24013 13kW 240V Electric Tankless Water Heater Check Latest Price
Fewer calls, happier tenants.
Looking for something else? Browse all of our Water Heaters guides and the wider Heating & Cooling section.
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