When tenants look for rentals online, there are things that they consider before they contact the property owner or leasing agent. There’s the location, the overall look, and the rental price. Then there are specific items such as the number of rooms and if it is furnished or not.
Some renters prefer to have a fully furnished rental rather than an unfurnished one. There are advantages to finding one with appliances and furniture. The main reason is that they won’t have to spend money to buy their own. It is also easier to move in without having to bring heavy things.
But wait, unfurnished properties have their advantages too. If you have to market an unfurnished rental unit, you have to know how to attract renters by showing them the benefits.
Here are some advantages to renting an unfurnished property:
• More space
Most renters prefer properties with a large space because it is more relaxing and not stifling. With furnished rentals, the appliances and furniture will take up a lot of that space. There may also be items that the tenant does not need but is there anyway. Plus, with those items plus the tenant’s belongings, the place will get crowded fast.
If they move into an unfurnished property, they will get to decide what to put there. They might become satisfied with just the basic appliances and furniture. They can do whatever they want with the space in the unit.
• Own style
Having space and the freedom to do anything with it is freeing. Some tenants prefer unfurnished units because they want to decorate their place according to their style. Some of them know what they want their house to look like, and furnished units limit that possibility.
If they plan on staying for a few years, why not make it as comfortable as they want?
• Security deposit issues
The security deposit is given by the tenant to the landlord upon signing a lease agreement. It will cover the cost of any repairs done to the property, if the damage was due to the tenant’s negligence. Conflicts often arise regarding security deposits and how much is returned to the tenant after their tenancy ends.
With unfurnished rentals, there will be less to worry about. Arguments are less likely to arise because the landlord will only check damages on the walls, flooring, and other amenities.
• Lesser rental price
The bigger the landlord’s expenses in a property, the higher the rental price. They are likely to charge more for a fully furnished unit. You can save $300 to $500 on an unfurnished rental.
Yes, the tenants will have to spend money on appliances and furniture, but there are stores where they can get those items cheap. They can also choose what and when to buy, depending on their needs, budget availability, and preference.
• Damage to their belongings
The landlord owns all items in a fully furnished unit. If tenants damage one of those items, they are damaging the landlord’s property.
If they buy their furnishings, on the other hand, it will not cause an issue between them and the landlord. The longer they stay in a rental, the higher the chances of them breaking something. It is better to break something of their own rather than someone else’s.
I have nothing against furnished properties, but some of your clients might prefer unfurnished ones. Just imagine decorating your house the way you want it to and not having to worry about damaging the items inside it because they’re yours.
There you have it, the pros of renting unfurnished properties. If you know a landlord with this kind of rental, it is easier for you to advertise it because you can convince tenants of these advantages. You can try it right now. Go and sign up for Padleads to get the property listing out there, and you can even syndicate it to other websites that house hunters frequent.