Furnished rentals represent a particular niche in the rental world. While occasionally in demand for longer stays by students or international workers, in general, they’re used by travelers or seasonal residents who only spend a few weeks or months at a time at a property.
That means that, for those who own and manage these properties, furnishing should account for the unique needs of this population. With that in mind, here’s what you should make sure you’re including when prepping a furnished rental property.
Basic Furnishings
When furnishing a short-term rental for seasonal use – the types of tenants who will stay for a few months and use the property as a secondary home – you’ll typically include fairly minimal furnishings. The home or apartment should have all the essential furniture, like a a bedroom set, kitchen table and chairs, and living room furniture, as well as basic kitchen supplies like pots and pans. You don’t need to include a television, though you might choose to, and the majority of such units don’t include specialty appliances like mixers or blenders.
Personal Elements
There are some items you might find in short-term rentals, but which are, in many ways, up for debate. For example, there may or may not be linens provided, as these are considered more personal, but in some cases, a set or two will be provided. The kitchen, however, will typically be more “turn-key” and include plates, forks, and all the other critical items needed to sit down for dinner.
The Shortest Term – Considerations
Short-term rentals aren’t quite the same as vacation rentals, though they’re often lumped into the same category. Vacation rentals are very popular, and they can be quite profitable, but they also require more comprehensive furnishings. In addition to several sets of linens, items for entertainment including a TV and games, and essential kitchen items, it’s always a nice touch to include some oils and spices in the kitchen so that visitors can cook without having to buy items they’ll only use a few teaspoons of during their visit. Stocking up on a few other shelf-stable items like tea bags and coffee can also be a welcoming touch.
Sturdy And Simple
Whether you’re furnishing a vacation rental or a mid-length stay space, one of the major factors you should consider when furnishing a rental property is that these items could face significant wear, and you don’t know how tenants will treat your belongings. Choose sturdy furniture and materials that hold up well to regular use and laundering.
You can, of course, charge more to renters who occupy a furnished property – this is part of why vacation rentals are pricier than long-term rentals – but while those fees will contribute to replacing furnishings, you’ll want to avoid doing so whenever possible. Choosing the right furnishings in the first place will help with this.
Add-Ons And Extras
Finally, with more people working remotely, even when traveling, one add-on you might wish to consider when furnishing a short-term rental are the makings of a home office. Even if that just means placing a desk and chair, a lamp and a simple printer, these are the types of extra features that can make your property stand out from the competition in the same area and price range.
Furnishing a rental property can sometimes be a fraught choice because a significant amount of money goes into the process, and a bad tenant can ruin it all in one stroke. The majority of tenants are excellent, however, and will make the process worth it. If you provide what they need, they will be grateful, leave great reviews, and recommend your properties to others.
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