Pros and Cons of Renting a Furnished Apartment

Whether traveling for work, vacationing, or moving somewhere short-term, renting a furnished apartment can be highly beneficial. Moving into a furnished rental without worrying about moving furniture or buying it brand new can save time, money, and stress. However, there are more responsibilities to consider with furnished apartments. To learn more about the pros and cons, just keep reading.

Contents of This Article: 

• What Is a Furnished Apartment?
• Pros and Cons of Renting a Furnished Apartment
• Tenant Responsibilities in a Furnished Rental
• How to Find Fully Furnished Rentals
• Considerations for Tenants and Landlords

What Is a Furnished Apartment? 

There’s no clear definition of what’s considered a furnished apartment or rental home. For instance, some rentals are partially furnished, while others are fully furnished with everything you need. That said, most furnished apartments have the basic essentials, like a bed, living room furniture, bathroom necessities, kitchen appliances, and more.

Some fully furnished apartments even have curtains, area rugs, storage spaces, or utensils. If you’re looking at renting a furnished apartment, ask the landlord or Northern Virginia property managers what furniture the apartment has. That way, you know what you need to get before moving in. Additionally, you may want to tour the apartment to see the quality of the furniture and appliances.

Most people look for furnished apartments if they move somewhere short-term or stay only for a few weeks. For instance, if you need to relocate temporarily for work or school, you can rent a furnished apartment for a few weeks or months until you return to your primary residence. In addition, furnished rentals make traveling easier since you don’t need to move a bed, couch, or other furniture for only a short time.

Pros and Cons of Renting a Furnished Apartment

Renting a furnished apartment has several benefits, but acknowledging the disadvantages is still important. So, while moving into a furnished apartment is less stressful, you may face higher rentals fees. So, read along while we discuss some of the major pros and cons of furnished apartments. 

Benefits of Renting a Furnished Apartment

• Less Stress About Moving- Moving can be highly stressful, especially if you need to pack up and move all your belongings. However, when you move into a furnished apartment, you don’t have to worry about moving large items, like a couch or kitchen table.
• Lower Upfront Costs- Some people buy all new furniture when they move into their first rental home, which can be extremely expensive. However, finding a rental with basic necessities can save you money while moving. 
• Great for Short-term Rentals- Some long-term rentals are furnished, but it’s more common with short-term rentals. So, if you’re looking to stay somewhere for just a few weeks, you don’t have to move all your belongings to feel comfortable during your stay.

Disadvantages of Renting a Furnished Apartment

• Higher Rent Fees- Using your landlord’s furniture, appliances, and utensils costs them more money. As such, they’ll generally charge higher rates for furnished rentals. So, while it’s more convenient, you’ll want to anticipate a higher rental rate. 
• Lack of Quality or Personality- Moving into a rental that’s already furnished eliminates the opportunity to make the space your own. You don’t have a say in the quality, style, or size of the furniture you get with the rental. 
• Fear of Property Damage- Just as you want to take top-notch care of the property you’re staying in, it’s crucial to treat the furniture with care as well. Normal wear and tear are expected in a rental, but property damage can lead to you losing your security deposit. 

Tenant Responsibilities in a Furnished Apartment

If you’re renting a furnished apartment, you have more responsibility than you would in an unfurnished one. For instance, you not only have to care for the property you’re living in, but you must also care for the furniture, appliances, and utensils your landlord provides. 

First, you’ll want to read your lease terms. For instance, find out what you are responsible for in the rental home. Most landlords or property managers provide a thorough lease outlining their expectations for you in the rental. For example, you’re likely responsible for requesting maintenance when necessary, keeping the property clean, and adhering to their rules and expectations. 

Additionally, if your lease has a strict no pets policy, it’s crucial to follow it. Pets can leave dander and odors behind, which most landlords don’t want in their furnished rentals. After all, you have to consider other tenants living there after you. So, before moving into any rental, talk with your landlord or property manager to discuss responsibilities and ask questions about the property. 

How to Find Fully Furnished Rentals

Finding fully furnished rentals is similar to how you’d find any rental property. For instance, if you’re looking for a two-bedroom apartment in Fairfax, you’ll filter your search to accommodate your preferences. The same goes for finding furnished rentals! Here are a few steps to consider while looking for your next rental property.

• Filter Your Rental Search- As stated above, filtering your search is the easiest way to find furnished rental properties. A basic search for just “rentals in Northern Virginia” will give you several options, including unfurnished properties. So, make sure you narrow down your search depending on what you’re looking for. 
• Decide Which Amenities Matter Most- Identifying what you’re looking for in a rental is important. If you need a fully furnished rental with everything you may need, like an Airbnb, ensure your search reflects that. If you need a partially furnished apartment, cater your search to find what you’re looking for.
• Read Reviews- No matter where you’re moving, it’s essential to read reviews from previous tenants. Look at the landlord or property management company listing the rental and learn more about them. If they have several poor reviews for lack of maintenance or communication, it may be frustrating to rent from them. 
• Tour the Apartment or Rental Home- If you’re looking to move quickly or somewhere far away, you may not have time to see the rental in person before moving. However, if you have the time or proximity, try to tour the apartment before moving to ensure it has what you need. 
• Adjust Your Budget– Finally, renting a furnished apartment can be more expensive than an unfurnished rental. While you don’t have to worry about buying furniture for your new rental, your landlord may charge higher rates for the convenience of a furnished apartment. 

Considerations for Tenants and Landlords

Tenants and landlords can both benefit from fully furnished apartments. For instance, tenants can move less stressed, and landlords can charge higher rates for furnishing their rentals. However, property management is one of the most important aspects for both parties. Landlords need trustworthy property managers to look over their rentals, while tenants need resources to help with maintenance or other property concerns. 

Luckily, Professional Property Management of Northern Virginia can help with any aspect of managing your rental property. Our dedicated managers can help find and screen tenants, maintain your rentals, and ensure all vital processes are complete. So, if you’re looking for comprehensive management near Northern Virginia, contact PPM today!