Real estate professionals may be asked by clients interested in rental income whether to offer furnished or unfurnished rentals, or may have clients looking for flexible housing options. Each option has its own set of advantages and challenges, and the choice largely depends on the target market, location, and investment goals. 

Furnished Rentals

Furnished rentals come equipped with all the essential furniture and appliances needed for daily living, including beds, sofas, dining tables, chairs, kitchen appliances, and sometimes additional amenities like linens, cookware, and electronics, making these a convenient, turn-key option for renters.

Benefits

Higher Rental Income

Furnished rentals typically command higher rental rates due to the added convenience for tenants.

Tenant Demographics

Furnished rentals appeal to tenants who prioritize convenience and flexibility, such as expatriates, business travellers, and individuals relocating for work, who are often willing to pay a premium for a ready-to-live-in space. They are also typically more reliable renters.

Increased Flexibility and Control

Furnished rentals offer tenants the convenience of moving in without purchasing or transporting furniture, ideal for short-term stays or temporary relocations. For landlords, these rentals attract a broader tenant base and allow for premium pricing, reducing vacancy periods. Both tenants and landlords benefit from the flexibility to adjust lease terms according to changing needs.

Challenges

Higher Initial Investment

Furnishings and appliances need to be higher-end, to cater to the target demographics. Setting up a furnished rental requires a significant upfront cost for purchasing high-quality furniture, appliances, and other essentials.

Increased Maintenance and Furnishing Requirements

Furnished rentals necessitate regular maintenance and replacements due to wear and tear, which can be more labour-intensive and costly over time.

Varying Lease Terms 

Flexible lease terms tend to be required, so increased marketing and management efforts are generally needed to keep the property occupied.

Seasonal Vacancy Slumps
Depending on the locations, winters often force owners to reduce prices or face increased vacancies.

Unfurnished Rentals

Unfurnished rentals are properties leased without any furniture or appliances, except for essential fixtures like kitchen cabinets, sinks, and sometimes basic appliances like stoves or refrigerators. They are usually only used for long-term tenancy.

Benefits

Lower Initial Costs

The absence of furnishings means lower upfront investment costs. 

Long-Term Tenants

Unfurnished rentals attract long-term tenants with their own furniture. This can offer reduced turnover rates and steady rental income.

Lower Maintenance Costs

With fewer items to maintain, unfurnished rentals tend to have lower ongoing maintenance costs, as tenants are responsible for their own furnishings.

Challenges

Lower Rental Rates

Unfurnished rentals will need to charge lower rental rates compared to furnished ones, potentially reducing revenue potential. Additionally, in some areas, rent caps and restrictions apply to these traditional rental arrangements.

Tenant Issues and Legal Challenges 

Owners may face the risk of getting stuck with a bad tenant, which can lead to prolonged disputes and costly eviction processes through landlord-tenant board litigation.

Attracting Quality Tenants

Unfurnished rentals may find it challenging to attract quality tenants, who are looking for modern amenities and conveniences.

Considerations for Furnished Properties and Advantages of Partnering with a Specialized Property Management Company

The obvious difference – and advantage – that furnished rental accommodations offer is the ready-to-use solution of having all furniture and extras provided. However, ensuring a place is appropriately and fully furnished increases the logistics that need to be considered. 

Real estate professionals can offer better services to their clients by offering easy solutions to these logistical problems, by partnering with an experienced property management company that offers complete furnishing services. This provides a more seamless experience for your client, and allows them to choose to offer a furnished property for higher income, without the added hassles. It allows you to present more options to your clients for their satisfaction.

Property management companies that specialize in furnished rentals handle the entire furnishing process, from sourcing and purchasing high-quality furniture to setting up the property. This ensures your clients’ properties are attractively furnished and ready for tenants, making them more appealing and marketable.

They take care of your clients’ properties, ensuring they remain in excellent condition and that furniture is pristine. They conduct regular inspections, address tenant complaints, and coordinate necessary repairs or replacements. This comprehensive service helps maintain property value and tenant satisfaction.

Helping Clients Decide

Helping a client choose between furnished and unfurnished rentals involves weighing the benefits and challenges of each option. An analysis of the potential income compared to additional costs is beneficial to highlight the best option. In popular locations or larger cities like Toronto or Vancouver, however, furnished rentals are in strong demand and, if marketed carefully, can bring in significant income.

About the Author

Ben Ghebrezghi is the General Manager of Marco Property Management. He has a Business Administration and Management degree from the University of Guelph-Humber and is an accomplished property manager with experience in commercial, condominium, and residential real estate.

Marco Property Management offers over 20 years of property management experience, ensuring owners’ properties are cared for as if they were their own. Their extensive network and advanced platform provide seamless tenant placement, rent collection, and maintenance services. 

For owners interested in opportunities to supplement their Airbnb income, Marco Property Management manages longer stays and facilitates leases to their clients in the film industry for the rest of the year. They manage beautifully furnished homes for 28 days or more but less than a year, ideal for the needs of executive relocations and the film industry while they work on a project. For exceptional accommodation solutions, contact Marco Property Management.