If you're a landlord thinking about the best ways to furnish your buy-to-let property, today we're sharing with you some ideas of how to do it affordably and within the law.
Furniture needs to be fire resistant
As a landlord you are required to provide fire resistant furniture that ensures you're complying with landlord regulations. Any furniture you buy for your rented property will usually have a label attached that says it is resistant to fire, such as matches and cigarettes. If not, you need to contact the manufacturer to double check if it meets the requirements.
Most modern-day items of furniture have passed the relevant safety tests. However, you might need to double-check if you're buying second-hand furniture.
Spend what is necessary
You don’t need to spend a fortune furnishing the property. But as tempting as it may be to buy the cheapest furniture you can from Ikea, you may end up having to replace it after one or two tenancies.
If you spend a bit more on better quality items, they’ll be longer lasting, probably more durable and your tenants will appreciate this too. While a leather sofa may set you back more than a material one, it is likely to last much longer – if your tenants treat it correctly.
Sometimes landlords will put second hand furniture in their rental properties that is out of date and surplus to requirements in their own home. However, if you want to attract higher paying tenants, it's advisable to provide them with furniture that is contemporary yet practical for future tenancies as well.
But of course, this depends who you are renting the property to and what the tenant’s expectations are.
Choose for the type of tenant
If you’re the landlord of a multi-million pound apartment in Knightsbridge, you will probably be looking to furnish your property differently to that of a £1,000 per month flat. Tenants will usually expect the furniture to be reflective of the rental price.
So, if you’re furnishing a student property, go for something cheap but durable that you or your tenants can replace at a low cost. Students probably won’t have their own furniture, so it is likely that you will have to supply everything from beds, tables, wardrobes and a sofa. It would also be a good idea to provide desks if you’re renting to students.
Professionals couples and families may have some of their own furniture that they want to use in the property, so you need to be flexible with putting in and removing items of furniture that they may or may not already have. If you’re renting to professionals, you might want to invest in better-quality furniture.
Short-term rentals and Airbnb
If you’re renting out your property on a short-term basis, either by the night or month, you will not only need to fully furnish the property, but also provide things like crockery, cutlery and electrical appliances for every room – including things like hairdryers, lamps and a toaster.
And if you're thinking of redecorating too, why not take a look at our landlords tips for renovating a rental property.
