Q. I’m about to rent a flat for the first time and was wondering if there are any rules about what comes with a property if its fully furnished, part furnished or unfurnished?
A. No, there are no strict rules but both expectations and reality can vary in different areas of the country.
Generally, a property offered as “fully furnished” would come with all the main fixtures, furnishings and fittings, white goods etc., plus the standard crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots and pans etc., that a reasonable tenant would normally use on a day to day basis. I would normally describe a furnished property as somewhere that you could just turn up with a suitcase and start living.
At the other end of the scale, an “unfurnished” property would normally be provided only with such basics as carpets, curtains and light fittings.
Clearly, there are infinite variations between these two extremes of what might be included. Therefore, the critical aspect, whether you are a landlord or tenant, is to make sure that everyone clearly understands what main items are, or are not, included before finalising the tenancy agreement. Often Landlords are open to providing or removing items for your comfort from the property if negotiated through your agent prior to the commencement of the tenancy.