What should be in an unfurnished property?

To furnish or not to furnish, that is the question. If you’re a landlord, it’s important to consider what items should be provided in your unfurnished rental property. 

While you don’t need to provide everything, there are certain essentials that will help attract tenants and make their lives easier. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what should be in an unfurnished property.

Essential items to include in an unfurnished property 

While an unfurnished property doesn’t need to contain everything, there are certain items that tenants will expect to be included. These include:

• Curtains or blinds: These are essential for privacy and to block out light.
• Carpets or flooring: Flooring is essential for safety and to prevent damage to the property.
• White goods: Tenants will expect a fridge/freezer, washing machine, and oven/hob to be included.
• Light fittings: These are essential for tenants to be able to see in the property.
• Central heating: A working heating system is essential for tenants to be able to live comfortably in the property.
• Bathroom fixtures: A working toilet, sink, and shower/bath are essential for tenants’ health and safety.

What do successful landlords suggest for unfurnished properties?

Famous landlord Fergus Wilson, who owns hundreds of properties in the UK, advises landlords to include certain items in an unfurnished property. 

He says, “The properties that I let out unfurnished generally come with carpets and curtains, as well as light fittings, and sometimes even a cooker, washing machine, and fridge.”

While is it up to you as to what you want to put in your property, there does seem to be a UK standard. Once you’ve got your fixtures and fittings in the property, you’ll want to consider your contents and building insurance with us at CIA.

Landlord Insurance and Contents Insurance

When considering what to include in an unfurnished property, it’s important to remember that not everything will be covered by your insurance. Landlord contents insurance and comprehensive landlord insurance can provide cover for certain items, but not everything. It’s important to read your policy carefully to ensure that you’re aware of what is and isn’t covered.

The benefits of providing items in an unfurnished property

While it may seem like an extra expense to provide certain items in an unfurnished property, there are benefits to doing so. These include:

• Attracting more tenants: Providing essential items can make your property more attractive to potential tenants.
• Making tenants’ lives easier: Providing items such as white goods can make tenants’ lives easier and save them money.
• Reducing the risk of damage: Providing essential items can reduce the risk of tenants damaging the property by trying to install their own fixtures.

Why is it better to provide an unfurnished property?

Providing certain items in an unfurnished rental property is essential to attract tenants and make their lives easier. Knowing what is essential and what is an added extra is key to making a good return on your investment. 

Get your landlord’s insurance sorted today with CIA. You can either request a callback or get a quote now.