What Are the Pros and Cons of Renting Furnished Apartments?

By: ROS Team

Renting a furnished apartment is a subjective debate and depends on one’s budget, family, and living standards. A businessman will certainly prefer an apartment with kitchen appliances, Bedroom, TV, and all the luxurious households while a middle-class family man may not have enough $$$ to splash.

In New York City, where more than half of the people live in rentals, there exist different types of apartments and many levels of furnished apartments. So, before you dig deeper into the pros and cons of these units, let’s go through the basics of furnished apartments first.

What is a Furnished Apartment?

A furnished apartment is the same as a normal rental but with pre-installed furniture. Some units have basic furniture like a bedroom, dresser, and sofa whereas the others are equipped with extra features like TV, kitchen appliances, etc. And in luxurious units, you may even see amenities like curtains, utensils, and carpets.

Modern Furnished Apartments

Based on the Quality of Furniture, There are three(3) Categories of a Furnished Apartment:

Basic Furnished Apartment

Chairs
Bed
Dresser
Lighting

Mid Level Furnished Apartment

Bathroom accessories
A few appliances
Trash Cans

Fully Furnished Apartment

Television
Cookware
Dishes
Linens
Clocks
Towels

Before you finalize a pre-furnished unit, ask the landlord what are the exact features you would be getting after you move in.

Are Furnished Apartments Right for Me?

Read the below-mentioned pros and cons and at the end of this guide, you will have a clear mind about these units.

Pros of Furnished Apartments:

1. Smooth Move

Moving with a few bags and packages is much easier and when you rent a furnished apartment it rules out the biggest hurdle of shifting – moving furniture from point A to B. Making a move with furniture is as stressful as it can be so if you want a smooth move, the furnished apartment may come to your rescue.

2. Flexibility

Pre-furnished units are often listed as short-term rentals and anyone looking for a temporary stay may find them an ideal choice. It implies that such rentals are the primary pick for college students who plan to stay in the city for a monthly course, or for professionals who are looking to stay out of town for business meetings.

Flexibility

3. Save Upfront Cost

New Yorkers may have the idea that moving furniture from a far distant place costs thousands of dollars. So moving with no furniture at all will save you the upfront cost of moving and also you won’t be hearing your friends complaining about back pain with your heavy furniture.

4. Free from Responsibilities

A furnished apartment means you don’t need to worry about building maintenance, structural issues, and more.

Cons of Furnished Apartments

1. Higher Monthly Rent

A fully furnished apartment may cost more than you may have imagined. Even though you are moving for the short-term, if you have your furniture then the extra money you are paying for such units might not be justified.

2. Furniture at Risk

You are answerable to yourself when you have your own furniture. But there is always a danger of furniture damage in furnished apartments and you have to pay for the loss. These costs will add up to the already-mentioned higher monthly rent.

So, you need to be extra careful living in pre-furnished apartments.

3. Fewer Choices

There aren’t many units available which provide all the necessary furniture items. However, in a city like New York, you may find a hidden gem if searched properly.

4. Sudden Eviction

As these units are short-term and often have no lease, you may face eviction sooner rather than later. The landlords have the authority and they can force a move-out and you can do nothing about that.

5. Quality of Furniture

By the look of the furniture, you can’t tell about its quality. After paying such a hefty rent, you don’t want to see damaged furniture or out-of-order appliances. So before you move in, ask your landlord about the quality of furniture and appliances.

6. You Can’t Decorate

As the apartment furniture is already fixed, you can’t do much to decorate it.

How to Find Pre Furnished Apartments?

If you have decided to go for a furnished apartment, just navigate to NY Rent Own Sell, select your borough and tick the required filter – that’s it.

Find Furnished Apartments

Ending Note

Furnished apartments pose some threats but do have a few advantages as well. If you want easy-to-move-in and move-out, you may go for pre-furnished units. However, if there is plenty of furniture in your old residence, going for a furnished apartment may not be a good idea.

Furnished units may be a decent choice for a businessman but not an ideal living place for a middle-class and family-oriented New Yorker. Before you make a move, ask yourself these questions – how much you can afford? Can you afford to move? How comfortable would you be without your longstanding furniture? Do you have time to buy furniture?

FAQs

Is it Worth Renting Furnished?

If you’re looking for convenience and flexibility and don’t mind paying a bit extra for the furniture, then a furnished apartment could be a good option for you.

What can I Expect in a Fully Furnished Apartment?

In a fully furnished apartment, you can expect to find all the essential furniture and appliances necessary for comfortable living.

What is not Included in a Furnished Apartment?

There are some things that are typically not included. Here are a few examples: Decorations, cleaning supplies, personal items, food and pantry items, internet and cable, and parking space

Is it Better to Rent Fully Furnished or Unfurnished?

The decision to rent a furnished or unfurnished apartment depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and consider your lifestyle and budget when making your decision.

What is the Difference Between a Furnished and Fully Furnished Apartment?

A furnished apartment typically comes with basic furniture and appliances such as a bed, sofa, dining table, and chairs, and kitchen appliances like a refrigerator, stove, and microwave. On the other hand, a fully furnished apartment generally includes all the furniture and appliances that you need for comfortable living, as well as all the necessary housewares.

Are Furnished Apartments More Expensive?

Yes, furnished apartments are generally more expensive than unfurnished apartments because the landlord or property owner has invested in furniture, appliances, and other amenities. The cost of the furniture and appliances is factored into the rent, so you can expect to pay a higher rent for a furnished apartment than for an unfurnished one.