In our complex of 8 units built in the 60s we had a laundry room on each of the 2 floors. There was an electricity connection between the owner’s flat and the laundry room.
The washing machine had a direct number to ring if anything went wrong. I think the operator had actually forgotten that they had a washing machine in the complex.
The operator made the decision to remove the washing machine. Subsequently one owner wanted to use the laundry area for their personal washing machine and permission was given.
Water usage might be a problem. In our case we have never converted to individual water meters but there is some system in place that monitors hot water usage. There is no hot water tap in the laundry.
We also have a fairly small clothesline on each floor – i suppose one day someone will ask for the Owners Corporation to do something about it.
I think that this all just happened … no by law or anyone checking plans etc.