As a landlord, you’re likely contemplating whether or not you should offer furnished rental properties to attract tenants?
Tenants take into consideration what amenities you provide in the house. To remain competitive, property owners and landlords now provide property upgrades and continue to keep their units comfortable for each occupant. They also do this to inspire loyalty from their current tenants.
A lot of tenants are looking for furnished apartments since they get to save money buying and moving furniture and appliances. It’s common for students, tourists, and those looking for short-term rentals to seek furnished properties opposed to unfurnished rental, since their budget is limited and it’s much more comfortable to stay in a furnished property.
This article will go over the pros and cons of renting out a furnished unit, like easier marketing and a higher security deposit. to help you decide what the ride move is for you.
What Should a Fully Furnished Rental Look Like?
If you plan to lease a furnished rental you need to budget for purchasing the necessary items. Typically, prospective tenants looking to start renting can expect to see the following furniture in a furnished rental house or apartment:
- Dining areas are equipped with a dining table and chairs for the tenant who will be renting the unit.
- Kitchens containing appliances such as a stove, refrigerator, and oven. Some landlords also go a step further and include a microwave, coffee maker, and toaster. Others will provide cooking utensils and dishware.
- Living rooms furnished with a sofa, coffee table, TV set, and other furniture included in rent.
- Bedrooms furnished with a bed, cabinet, and nightstand.
Depending on the property owner or landlord, furnishing the unit with additional pieces of furniture can be added such as lamps and art that make the interiors of their furnished property more attractive.
What Kind of Tenants Are Attracted to Furnished Rental Units?
Different types of tenants seek a furnished rental. A majority of them are students, young professionals, and tourists who prioritize convenience. Some are also prospective tenants planning to move to a certain area but want to experience what it’s like before becoming full-time residents.
A lot of furnished rentals attract travelers who prefer renting other than costly hotels. They also attract people who are staying for a short lease period in a designated area. This way they don’t have to bring a lot of belongings.
In addition, moving into a furnished property is also made more convenient since they won’t need to hire a moving company to transfer their belongings back and forth, or need to worry about furnishing on their own. This leads to more savings than if they were renting unfurnished rentals.
What are the Advantages of Furnished Rentals?
Here are some of the advantages of renting out furnished rental property:
You Have the Potential to Earn More
Since your unit is a furnished rental, you can assign a higher rate of rent . But be cautious and study the market first. If you set the rent price too high, you might lose out to competitors. At the same time, refrain from pricing so low that there’s no return on your investment.
Typically landlords have an easier time marketing the proprty Furnished apartments online. Ensure to not go over bidget when furnishing the unit as rent prices should offset these costs to make a profit.
You Can Request a Higher Security Deposit
Since your unit to rent contains furnishings, it’s understandable that you’ll be exposed to more risks in terms of property damage. It’s essential to request more protection by asking for a higher security deposit upon sigining of the lease.
So if an appliance malfunctions, you can send it for repairs and be reassured that there’s a budget to pay for it from the security deposi, if the reason for the breakdown isn’t due to normal wear and tear.
Less Exposure to Property Damage Due to Moving
Given that you’ve already equipped the long-term rental home with furnishings, there’s little reason for the tenant to haul their huge furniture. This reduces the risk of property damage caused by transferring large objects into the unit. Your rental space is spared from scrapes on floors, dents on doorways, and marks on walls.
Attracting a Variety of Renters
Since a wide demographic of tenants can be targeted for a furnished apartment, you have more marketing opportunities. You can aim at vacationers or choose to serve students and professionals if your rental is near the central business district area.
What are the Disadvantages of a Furnished Rental?
The following are some disadvantages of renting out a furnished apartment:
Requires Sizable Initial Investment
In addition to overseeing property maintenance, a landlord also needs to perform routine inspections of your furnishings to determine if they need to be repaired or replaced. In case there’s minor damage, you can promptly have it fixed to avoid costly repairs in the future.
Since you’re investing in furniture for your rental, you want to protect them through preventive maintenance. It’s also recommended to include a clause in your lease agreement on the subject of addressing tenant-incurred damages during the period of rent.
Renters are Looking to Occupy for a Short Duration
Your furnished apartment is bound to attract residents who plan on staying less than a year in your unit. As a result, you need to double down on your marketing efforts.
Students are likely moving out when the school year ends. Professionals will also move back once their contracts in the area are completed. While you charge to earn more from the short-term tenancy, you need to have short vacancies or preferably, no vacancies to maximize your rent income.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Furnishing Your Rental Property
Before adding furnishings to a unit, a landlord should consider these factors:
Where Your Rental Home is Located
Survey the nearby places in your neighborhood. Are you near schools, tourist spots, or the business district? If you are then you’re more likely to find tenants looking for a furnished apartment.
You should state the nearby convenient places in your ads as well as the fact that the Virginia property comes furnished.
Potential Tenants
See what the common rent demographics in your area are. This will be the tenant base you’re likely to be interacting with and should be taken into account before adding furnishings the rental unit.
Market Conditions
A furnished rental property can generate a higher income for owners and landlords alike but you should first see if your target market can pay a higher rental rate. Assess current economic trends and base rent on that.
Bottom Line
Though a furnished rental space can elevate your rental income potential, it’s advisable to perform research beforehand to protect yourself from over-investing. If you would like help managing your rental properties, contact the property management experts at KRS Holdings today!