More tenants require unfurnished properties to rent

New trend is welcome news for landlords

The objections to unfurnished property can be traced back to before1974 when disposable incomes were lower, the cost of furniture relatively high and unfurnished property was thought to be a charter for sitting tenants. That impression was firmly quashed by the courts 21 years ago and again by the 1988 Housing Act.

At all levels and ages, there is currently a trend towards an increasing number of tenants requiring unfurnished properties to rent. This is sometimes known as ‘part-furnished,' as all rental property that lets successfully comes with carpets, curtains, electrical fittings, fully fitted kitchens and attractive bathrooms. With the exception of the furniture itself, a property being shown to let for the first time should look no different from a builder's show house.

For the investor landlord, the change to an unfurnished market could be welcomed. Properties that let quickly need no more than quality neutral decor along with plain colours for the carpets and curtains. It should all form the backdrop for an incoming tenant's own choice in furniture and the fabrics of the soft furnishings, and, kitchens and bathrooms aside, only electrical fittings should be left in place as properties cannot be re-wired at the end of each tenancy.

All of this helps the investor landlord with the Fire and Furnishings (Safety) regulations. If furniture, that is soft furnishings, the covers and fillings of mattresses, pillows and cushions, is supplied by the landlord in the course of business, all of it must comply and be properly labelled as having passed the appropriate tests.

However, whatever possessions the tenant moves in with, the landlord will always be responsible for safety involving gas installations and appliances. These must be subject to annual safety checks, with proper records kept. Regulations also cover the safety of electrical installations and appliances while common sense dictates that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are fitted in all let properties.

 esmartmoney
The articles featured in this digital magazine are for your general information and use only and are not intended to address your particular requirements. They should not be relied upon in their entirety. Although endeavours have been made to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or company should act upon such information without receiving appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of their particular situation. For more information please visit www.goldminepublishing.com