A beginners’ guide to furnished rentals for landlords and renters

Moving to a new place can be super exciting. It’s a fresh start with opportunities for new memories. It can also be stressful, especially if you’re moving a lot of stuff from one place to another. That’s why some people opt to live in housing that takes a load off. Literally. 

Are you in a place in life where the less you have to drag around the better? Are you a student looking for a room to rent and nothing more? Are you retired and looking to downsize? Are you a digital nomad looking to live in as many cool places as possible? Then a furnished rental may be the right choice for you. When searching KSL Homes, you’ll want to be on the lookout for included amenities, expected costs and benefits of this type of housing. 

Alternatively, if you’re getting ready to lease a place to others, be sure to understand what you’ll need to provide, and what to charge when preparing a furnished rental.

List a furnished rental

What landlords should know

Offering ready-to-move-in spaces for potential tenants can be lucrative if done right. 

Preparation

Furnished rentals vary from semi- to fully-furnished abodes, so it’s up to you what to include. But if you’re going for turnkey, include these essentials.

• Furnished bedrooms: Bed frames, mattresses, window curtains, nightstands, dressers, table lamps
• Furnished kitchens: Dining table and chairs, countertop stools, trash and recycling bins, kitchen rugs
• Furnished living areas: couches/sofas, coffee table, lamps, area rugs, accent chairs, desks, bookshelves
• Furnished bathrooms: Wall or over-toilet storage, trash bins
• Extras to make it nice: Wall art, throw pillows, fake plants; kitchen appliances such as microwaves, toasters and coffee makers; dishware such as cooking utensils, cutting boards, pots and pans; cleaning supplies such as mops and brooms.

No need to be too fancy. A simple dining set up will be great.

Be sure every bit of furniture is clean and aesthetically pleasing. Also, include in your lease an itemized list of all furnishings and the conditions they were in when your rental agreement begins.

Pricing 

Landlords can charge a little bit more for furnished rentals because they offer a certain level of convenience for renters. Take a look on KSL Homes to compare amenities and prices in your area. Are there certain furniture items you notice included? Are the furnished apartments priced higher compared to unfurnished? Here are a few benefits for landlords.

• Charge more: Landlords can usually charge 10-20% more per month for furnished rentals.
• Higher deposits: Utah laws allow landlords to request security deposits priced up to three months rent.
• Higher initial investment: A furnished rental requires more upfront costs to provide enough furnishings for tenants.
• Lower aesthetic repair costs: Less large furniture being moved around means less dings along walls and floors.

Browse furnished rentals

List a furnished rental

What renters should know

Not having to worry about furniture and moving costs is a huge perk when looking for housing. Additionally, furnished apartments for rent can often be found in complexes that provide comfortable amenities. It’s important to make a checklist of things you can and cannot do without. 

Major appliances

• Refrigerator
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Washing machine

Major furniture items

• Bed frame and mattress
• Sofa/couch
• Desk
• Rugs
• Shelving
• Dining table and seating

Most renters who want a furnished apartment expect couches and a side chair.

Costs 

Expect to pay a little more for the convenience of having most major furniture provided for you. You may need to save up a little extra before moving, since landlords may charge up to three months rent for a deposit. 

Benefits 

Shorter lease lengths are one appeal. Year leases are common, but many offer month-to-month leases, perfect for those that want a more nomadic life with less stuff to move. Some places include appealing amenities such as fitness centers, pool or jacuzzis, communal outdoor spaces and parking.

Don’t expect

• Linens such as towels, bath mats and sheets
• Basic kitchen items such as utensils
• Cleaning supplies
• shower curtains

Browse furnished rentals

Got a home or furnished apartment to rent? Create a listing on KSL Homes. Looking for a convenient move? Check out the furnished rentals on KSL Homes and read our blog for more moving tips.