The question of whether an apartment comes with furniture is a common one for renters, and the answer is not a simple yes or no. The contents of a rental unit depend heavily on the specific type of lease and the intended duration of the tenancy. The vast majority of apartments available for standard, long-term leases are offered as unfurnished units.
The Standard Expectation: Unfurnished Rentals
The default expectation for a typical 12-month apartment lease is an unfurnished space, which means the tenant is responsible for providing all movable furniture. This category of rental is essentially a blank canvas, requiring the tenant to supply items like beds, sofas, and dining tables. The term “unfurnished” refers to the absence of personal, non-fixed household goods. This arrangement is the most common for individuals or families planning a long-term stay.
What Appliances and Fixtures Are Included
An unfurnished apartment still includes essential fixtures and major appliances considered permanent parts of the dwelling. Standard kitchen appliances are almost always included, such as a refrigerator, a stove or range, and an oven. Many modern apartment complexes also include a dishwasher and a built-in microwave. Beyond the kitchen, the unit will feature fixed items like built-in lighting fixtures and window blinds.
The inclusion of laundry facilities is a common variation that renters must clarify before signing a lease. Some units offer in-unit washer and dryer hookups, requiring the tenant to supply the machines. Others provide the appliances themselves, or the complex may feature a communal laundry room for all residents. These fixed appliances and fixtures are considered part of the property’s infrastructure.
Types of Furnished Apartments and Their Purpose
Apartments that come with furniture fall into distinct categories, each serving a different type of renter and duration of stay. A fully furnished apartment is designed for immediate occupancy, including all major furniture pieces like a bed, sofa, and dining set, along with smaller household goods. These units often provide linens, towels, and kitchenware, allowing a tenant to move in with only a suitcase.
Semi-furnished or partially furnished units offer a middle ground, usually including only the largest, most cumbersome items, such as a bed frame or a dining table. The tenant is expected to supply the remaining furniture and decorative elements. Corporate housing and short-term rentals are almost always fully furnished, catering to business travelers or individuals on temporary assignments. These specialized rentals provide a complete living environment for stays ranging from a few weeks to several months.
Cost and Lease Length Differences
The inclusion of furniture has a direct impact on both the monthly cost and the length of the lease agreement. Furnished apartments command a higher monthly rent, often ranging from 20% to 40% more than comparable unfurnished units. This premium covers the landlord’s investment in the furniture and the cost of maintenance. While the monthly rent is higher, the tenant avoids the substantial upfront expense of purchasing household furniture.
Furnished units are frequently associated with shorter, more flexible lease terms, such as month-to-month or three-to-six-month agreements. This flexibility is a major draw for transient renters who do not want to commit to a full year. Conversely, unfurnished apartments are the standard for long-term residency, typically requiring a 12-month lease commitment. The trade-off involves paying a higher monthly rate for a furnished unit in exchange for convenience and a shorter lease obligation, versus a lower monthly rate for an unfurnished unit that requires a greater initial investment in personal property.