Tenant furnished means that the tenant is responsible for providing and maintaining their own furniture. This means that the landlord will not provide any furnishings or fixtures in the rental unit.
However, with tenant-furnished rentals, the tenant is responsible for providing their own furniture and will need to keep the rental unit clean and free of damage.
This article will dive deeper into what tenant furnished means, what items are usually brought by the tenant, why tenants choose to bring their own furniture, and what advantages and disadvantages come with this arrangement.
Understanding Tenant Furnished
Tenant furnished is a term used in the real estate industry to describe rental properties that are rented out with furniture. When a property is tenant furnished, the landlord owns the property but the furnishings belong to the tenant.
While the landlord is responsible for the property’s maintenance, the tenant is in charge of the furnishings’ upkeep and any damage that may occur.
Characteristics Of Tenant Furnished Properties
When it comes to tenant-furnished properties, landlords and tenants agree on the following characteristics:
Furniture
Tenant-furnished properties come with furniture, which must be functional and in good condition. Landlords provide a basic set of furniture such as chairs, tables, and sofas. However, tenants can add to or customize the furnishings as they see fit.
Inventory
Landlords and tenants should create an inventory of the property’s furnishings. It describes the furnishings’ current condition and will help to determine if any damage occurred during the tenant’s stay. The inventory is signed by both parties.
Lease
The lease agreement should contain a section indicating the property’s tenant-furnished status. The page should state which furnishings the landlord provides and which ones the tenant must provide.
Specifying who will be responsible for the furniture’s transportation and upkeep is also essential.
Rent
Tenant-furnished properties are usually more expensive than unfurnished ones because the landlord must provide furniture. The monthly rents for tenant-furnished properties include furniture rental costs.
Types Of Tenant Furnished Properties
There are two types of tenant-furnished properties; partially furnished and fully furnished.
- Partially furnished properties come with basic furniture like a bed, an eating table with chairs, and sofas.
- Fully furnished properties have a complete set of home furnishings like curtains, a wardrobe, a refrigerator, a dishwasher, a washing machine, and other amenities.
Who Is Responsible For Tenant Furnished Properties?
When it comes to tenant-furnished properties, the landlord is responsible for the property’s upkeep, including repairs to utilities, appliances, and fixtures such as sinks, toilets, and air conditioning units.
However, the tenant is responsible for keeping the furnishings in good condition, cleaning them promptly if damaged, and returning them in the same condition as at the beginning of the lease.
If any furniture is damaged beyond repair, the tenant is required to replace it.
Pros And Cons Of Tenant Furnished
Tenant furnished is a term that refers to a rental property that comes with essential furniture and appliances needed to make the space livable.
While some tenants may prefer renting unfurnished properties and bringing in their furniture, others find tenant-furnished properties more convenient.
Benefits Of Tenant Furnished Properties For Tenants
Here are some benefits of renting a tenant-furnished property:
Ready to move in
Tenant-furnished properties come equipped with furniture, bedding, kitchenware, and other appliances, making it easy for tenants to move in right away.
This saves tenants the hassle and cost of purchasing and transporting these items to the rental unit.
Cost savings
In most cases, tenant-furnished properties have a higher upfront cost compared to unfurnished rentals. However, it can save tenants money in the long run since they don’t need to purchase furniture and appliances.
The rental unit’s cost includes everything the tenant needs, making budgeting more straightforward.
Convenience
Tenants who don’t have furniture or appliances can find tenant-furnished properties more convenient since they won’t have to worry about acquiring these items.
Additionally, they won’t have to worry about selling or transporting these items when they’re moving out.
Challenges Of Tenant Furnished Properties For Tenants
There are also some challenges associated with renting a tenant-furnished property that potential tenants should consider:
Limited choice
Tenant-furnished properties may not have the specific furniture and appliances that a tenant likes or prefers, limiting their overall choices.
Wear and tear
In a tenant-furnished property, it’s highly likely that the furniture and appliances have seen a considerable amount of use, leading to some wear and tear.
The furniture and appliances may be in excellent condition at the start of the tenancy but could require repair and replacement throughout occupancy.
Higher rental rate
Overall, tenant-furnished properties have a higher rental rate compared to unfurnished rentals, which may not fit into some tenants’ budgets.
Investment Considerations For Property Owners
If you’re a property owner considering investing in tenant-furnished properties, here are some things to keep in mind:
Furnishing and maintenance costs
Furnishing a rental property can be costly, and property owners must consider the additional costs for maintenance and replacement of furniture and appliances.
Tenant screening
Property owners should pick tenants carefully, as tenant-furnished rentals can be more susceptible to damage and wear and tear, leading to more significant expenses to restore the rental property.
Rental rates
The rental rates for tenant-furnished properties are often higher than unfurnished rentals. Property owners must set appropriate rental rates that offer a return on investment while still appealing to potential tenants.
Frequently Asked Questions Of What Does Tenant Furnished Mean?
What Does Tenant Furnished Mean?
Tenant furnished refers to the rental space that comes equipped with furniture provided by the tenant, not the landlord.
How Is Tenant Furnished Different From Pre-Furnished?
Pre-furnished rental units come with furniture provided by the landlord. Tenant-furnished units allow tenants to use their own furniture.
Do Tenant-Furnished Apartments Cost More?
Tenant-furnished units can cost more than unfurnished rentals since tenants have to buy or rent furniture. However, it may save money in the long run.
Can Tenants Negotiate Furniture In A Rental?
Yes, tenants can negotiate furniture in their rental agreement if the landlord is willing to accommodate. They can also rent furniture from a third party.
Conclusion
As a tenant, offering a ‘tenant furnished’ property gives you the liberty to infuse your personality into your living space. It’s your canvas to paint with furniture that suits your style.
Remember, the comfort of your own couch and the joy of your favorite coffee mug could become integral parts of your rental experience.
Reference
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/buildings/pdf/tenants_rights.pdf
