A furnished rental property is a rental home equipped with furniture and appliances such as a bed, desk, television, and refrigerator. It is well suited to people who want to reduce upfront costs or stay for a short period, but there are also drawbacks that should be understood. In this article, we explain the features of furnished rental properties, their advantages and disadvantages, and the key points to check before signing a contract.
What are the features of furnished rental properties?
A furnished rental property is a rental home where tenants do not need to buy their own furniture and appliances when moving in. We will explain its main characteristics, including how it differs from monthly apartments.
The basics of furnished rental properties
Furnished rental properties are equipped with items such as a bed, desk, chair, sofa, curtains, television, and refrigerator. The included equipment differs by property, so it is important to confirm what is provided before moving in. You should also understand that you may not be able to choose the design or model yourself.
How they differ from monthly apartments
The biggest difference is the contract structure. Monthly apartments are offered on short-term contracts ranging from one month to one year, and while the rent is generally higher, they often do not require a security deposit, key money, or brokerage fee. Furnished rental properties, by contrast, are usually offered under a standard lease agreement and can accommodate long-term occupancy.
What are the benefits of renting a furnished property?
The biggest advantage of a furnished property is that it can significantly reduce both the upfront cost and the effort involved in moving.
You can save on the cost of buying furniture and appliances
For someone living alone, purchasing a full set of furniture and appliances can cost around 200,000 to 300,000 yen. With a furnished property, this cost is unnecessary.
There is less hassle when moving
Because there is no need to transport large furniture, moving costs can also be reduced. Being able to move in with only personal belongings is a major advantage.
No disposal is needed when moving out
Because the furniture and appliances are provided with the property, there is no need to spend time or money disposing of them when moving out. This is especially convenient for people who relocate frequently.
You can start living there right away
Because the equipment needed for daily life is already in place from the day you move in, this option also works well for sudden job transfers or the start of a new stage of life.
What are the disadvantages of furnished properties?
Although convenient, furnished properties also come with several drawbacks. Be sure to check them before signing a contract.
Rent tends to be higher
Because the cost of providing furniture and appliances is added to the rent, these properties are often about 2,000 to 5,000 yen more per month than comparable unfurnished properties. For long-term occupancy, this price difference can feel significant.
You cannot choose your preferred furniture
You cannot choose the design or size of the installed furniture. For people who care strongly about interior style, this may become a source of stress.
Rules for handling breakdowns can be complex
If built-in furniture or appliances break down, whether the owner or the tenant bears the cost of repair or replacement depends on the contract terms. It is important to confirm this before moving in.
Previously used furniture may already be installed
In some cases, furniture used by the previous tenant may remain in place. If hygiene is a concern for you, check this carefully during the viewing.
What should you check when renting a furnished property?
To avoid trouble, make sure you confirm the following points before signing a contract.
Confirm the equipment list in writing
Ask for a clear written record of which furniture and appliances are included. This helps prevent disputes both at move-in and move-out.
Confirm who bears the cost when something breaks
In general, natural breakdowns are borne by the owner, while damage caused by the tenant's negligence is borne by the tenant. Please confirm that this is clearly stated in the contract.
Understand the scope of restoration obligations when moving out
If you accidentally damage built-in furniture, confirm in advance how the cost of restoring the property to its original condition will be handled. It is also reassuring to keep a photographic record of the property's condition at move-in.
What are the benefits for owners of offering furnished properties?
From the owner's perspective as well, furnished properties offer advantages as a measure for reducing vacancy.
Higher occupancy through differentiation
Furnished properties help differentiate a listing from competitors and are especially in demand among single tenants and people relocating for work. This can lead to faster tenant acquisition.
Rent levels are easier to maintain
Because the cost of furniture and appliances can be reflected in the rent, it becomes easier to prevent a decline in rental income.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Are furnished properties suitable for long-term occupancy?
Because the rent is higher, standard unfurnished properties are often more advantageous in total cost for stays of more than two years. For stays of less than one year, however, a furnished property is often the more economical choice.
Q. Can I replace the provided furniture with my own?
In some cases, replacement is possible with the owner's permission, but you will need to return the property to its original condition when moving out. Be sure to check the lease agreement.
Q. Who pays for repairs if the furniture breaks?
Breakdowns caused by normal use are generally borne by the owner. Damage caused intentionally or through the tenant's negligence is borne by the tenant.
