When becoming a landlord, you need to consider whether you’re going to offer unfurnished, furnished or part-furnished properties. In this blog, we’re answering the question, what should landlords include in unfurnished properties?
There are many things to consider when selecting which option is right for your rental property, including rental charges, home maintenance and more. Furnished properties can often yield a higher rental income, especially if they are presented to a high standard. They can also have a higher appeal as prospective tenants do not need to purchase their own furniture and organise moving items, which can be costly.
Landlords should ensure that the tenancy agreement outlines what tenants need to do if any furniture breaks or requires maintenance. They should also ensure that they have suitable landlord insurance. You should also encourage tenants to organise contents insurance.
Unfurnished property checklist
As a landlord, it can be tricky to know what you should and shouldn’t include in your rental property. While the inclusion of some items is down to personal preference, there are some items that need to be included for legal reasons.
Here are the items that landlords must include to meet their legal obligations in the private rented sector.
Smoke alarms
Homes in England must have smoke alarms included, and they should be tested at least once a year. Landlords will need to assess whether the alarms need to be battery operated or hard wired to meet safety standards.
Landlords may be required to have more than one smoke alarm in the home, depending on how many habitable floors it has. Landlords are also required to install heat detectors in kitchens.
Carbon monoxide alarms
Every home should have a carbon monoxide alarm to help keep tenants safe. The law states that a carbon monoxide alarm should be fitted in any room which has a fixed combustion appliance (excluding a gas cooker). These alarms should also be tested regularly to ensure safety.
Flooring
Landlords need to ensure that the home is fitted with suitable flooring throughout. The flooring should be appropriate for the room in which it is fitted. You may also want to consider whether you are allowing tenants to have pets in the home before choosing flooring.
The Renters Rights’ Bill introduces changes to the way in which landlords should consider allowing pets in the rental home. They must consider the request fairly.
Lighting and light fittings
Landlords should ensure suitable lighting is available throughout the property. They must also ensure that the property has regular electrical installation condition reports and that these are satisfactory.
Secure external doors
All external doors on the property must be secure and lockable. Some landlords may choose to change the locks between tenants to increase security. Landlords should also provide any keys to windows or other doors in the property.
Additional items that landlords may include
There are many other items that landlords could consider including in an unfurnished property, including the following.
- White goods – including a fridge/freezer, washing machine and other items
- Curtains
- Blinds
- Curtain poles
- Bathroom fixtures
- Light shades
- Kitchen bin
- Kitchen fixtures
- Doormats
Should I rent out a furnished or unfurnished property?
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between furnished and unfurnished properties to rent out. However, it is worth noting that furnished properties can often command rents much higher than unfurnished options.
Furnished properties can often feel much more put together, and they can also reduce potential damage to walls, floors and other fixtures as tenants do not need to move the items in, around or out of the property.
Intus Lettings offer a wide range of furniture packages, allowing you to command higher rents from your tenants. Our packages include Refined Modernity, Nordic Spirit and Urban Wanderer.
Each furniture package has been designed with your tenant in mind. They include everything your tenant needs for comfortable, modern living. All of our prices include delivery, assembly, installation, removal and disposal of all packaging. Stylish furniture packages may help you attract tenants more than an unfurnished rental property. It can also lead to more long term tenants.
Are you a landlord looking for property management services? Then you should get in touch with our friendly team. We will be more than happy to help!
