How Lease Agreements Should Change for Unfurnished Rentals

Landlords renting unfurnished properties must have a well-structured lease agreement that addresses maintenance charges, security deposits, and move-in/move-out dates, unlike furnished rentals which provide appliances and furniture. This ensures a smoother rental experience for all parties involved.

Defining What “Unfurnished” Include

Unfurnished rentals do not need to be empty spaces – some landlords provide essential appliances like fridges, stoves, and built-in fixtures such as cabinetry and light fixtures as part of the lease agreement. Ambiguity could result in disagreements if tenants assume certain appliances are included when in reality they’re not. Listing all items included will help manage expectations effectively.

Maintain and Repair Responsibilities 

To ensure long-term tenants in unfurnished rental properties, lease agreements should include maintenance clauses outlining who is responsible for small repairs, landlords covering structural, plumbing, and electrical system repairs, and tenants maintaining and disposing of appliances included with their rental. The maintenance schedule should also be noted.

Considerations for Security Deposit

Security deposits offer financial protection to landlords, but unfurnished rentals often show wear and tear due to a lack of protective furniture. To set expectations for normal wear and tear and damage that warrants deposit deduction, landlords should conduct move-in inspections to document wall, flooring, and fixture conditions.

Expectations for Moving-in and Out

Tenants who own unfurnished rental homes face complex moving logistics, including managing moving hours and furniture assembly restrictions. They must also adhere to lease requirements regarding condition, less reasonable wear and tear, and personal items left behind to prevent potential damages or abandoned furniture. Clear guidelines are crucial to ensure no furniture goes unseen by moving providers.

Customization and Alterations

Unfurnished apartment renters often desire to customize their spaces, such as painting walls, adding shelving units, or altering fixtures. A lease should clearly outline permissible modifications and require prior approval. Failure to do so could lead to disagreements over unplanned modifications, such as wall-mounted TV brackets or drilling holes into cabinets, requiring tenants to restore the property to its original state.

Lease Renewal and Lease Term Considerations

Furnished properties may attract short-term renters, so lease agreements should include annual terms with renewal options for stability and consistent income. Clauses regarding rent increases, renewal deadlines, and early cancellation penalties should be included to prevent miscommunication between tenant and landlord.

Insurance and Liability Clauses

Unfurnished tenants must insure their items themselves, unlike those renting furnished apartments where landlords typically cover renter’s insurance. Insurance must be included in leases to protect against theft, fire, or damage, and liability clauses provide additional protections for landlords against claims related to appliances or furniture accidents.

Utility and Service Responsibilities 

Tenants in unfurnished rental homes are responsible for managing utilities like electricity, water, internet usage, and trash collection services due to long-term occupancy requirements and lack of furniture. Leases should clearly outline which utilities each party is responsible for and which are covered by the landlord. Shared meters should be divided equally to avoid billing issues.

Subletting and Occupancy Limits

Subletting is a request for long-term tenants requiring temporary relocation, but it should be clearly stated in the lease document and any occupancy limits defined to prevent damage to the property. Unfurnished lease agreements should address maintenance obligations, move-in/out dates, deposits, and tenant modifications. This ensures landlords protect their investments and provide a stable rental experience while facilitating smoother property management practices.