Introduction | Is it true that you should avoid renting a place with furniture and appliances? Here's why
Renting a property with furniture and appliances is marketed as being convenient, as it means you have less luggage to carry and keeps initial costs down. However, in reality, there are many opinions that say you shouldn't rent it, so it is an option that you need to consider carefully.
Why is it that while many people find it "convenient," some people say "avoid it"? There are hidden risks that are hard to see on the surface, such as disadvantages and burdens, troubles when moving out, and problems when things break down.
In this article, we have summarized the practical information you should know before choosing a rental property with furniture and appliances. This article will also be useful for those considering living alone or moving in for a short period of time, so please read to the end.
Why furnished rental properties are gaining attention
Nowadays, there are an increasing number of rental properties equipped with the bare necessities of furniture and appliances, especially in urban areas.
The reason is that many people have to move suddenly due to a job transfer, employment, or further education, and for these people, being able to avoid the initial costs and hassle of purchasing furniture and appliances is a huge attraction. Also, furnishing with appliances is becoming the standard for "monthly" and "weekly" properties that are intended for short-term stays.
Additionally, there is high demand in the rental market for foreign workers and international students, who also appreciate the fact that they do not have to dispose of their furniture and appliances when they return to their home countries.
The surprising reason people say "don't do it"
Renting an apartment with furniture and appliances included may seem convenient at first glance, but one of the main reasons people say you shouldn't do it is that the rent is often set higher than usual.
Some people also say that unexpected problems are likely to arise, such as having to pay for repairs or replacements if something breaks or breaks, or being charged additional fees when moving out.
Furthermore, there is also the disadvantage that you cannot freely choose furniture and home appliances, which means you cannot reflect your own preferences and lifestyle.
What is a furnished apartment? Basic information and features
Furnished rental properties are convenient properties that literally come equipped with furniture and appliances from the start. However, the reality is that there is a lot of information you may regret not knowing, such as what equipment is included and how it affects the rent. Here we will explain the basic contents and features in detail.
Definition of furnished property and equipment details
A furnished rental property is one that comes equipped with a certain amount of furniture and appliances from the start. Typical amenities include the following:
- Bed (usually single or semi-double)
- Refrigerators (mainly small ones for single people)
- Washing machine (drum type or vertical type)
- Microwave, electric kettle
- Television (mostly small models)
- Lighting fixtures
- Tables, chairs, curtains
Although these services are often seen as free, in reality the cost is usually added to the rent.
The actual value of "furniture and appliances" included in the cost and rent
It's easy to get the impression that it's "free," but in most cases, the rent for furnished and appliance-equipped rental properties is set higher than the market rate.
For example, even if the average monthly rent in the neighborhood is 80,000 yen, it is not uncommon for a furnished apartment to cost 100,000 yen. This means that if you live there for a year, the difference in rent can be more than 240,000 yen.
In addition, the furniture and appliances themselves may be second-hand, and may not actually be worth that much. Old refrigerators and washing machines also have the disadvantage of consuming a lot of electricity, which can increase your long-term living costs.
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Benefits | Reasons for choosing a furnished rental property and who it is recommended for
For those who are wondering, "What are the benefits of renting with furniture and appliances?", we will introduce the reasons why people actually choose it and who it is suitable for. This is a must-read for those who want to keep initial costs down or who are considering short-term rentals.
Significantly reduce initial costs
Normally, if you were to purchase all the furniture and home appliances from scratch, such as a bed, refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, television, curtains, and lighting, you would need an initial investment of around 200,000 to 500,000 yen.
In particular, for new members of the workforce or students moving out on their own for the first time, the cost of moving alone is a big burden, but purchasing furniture and appliances on top of that can be a huge financial hurdle.
On the other hand, if you rent an apartment with furniture and appliances, these items are already provided, so you don't need to purchase new ones. In most cases, the only initial investment required is the deposit, key money, and basic moving expenses.
Therefore, it has a great advantage for people who want to keep initial costs as low as possible. It is especially perfect for situations where you want to start living there as soon as possible, such as when you are suddenly transferred or assigned to a short-term post.
No need for complicated preparation or installation
When purchasing your own furniture and home appliances, there are many more steps involved than you might imagine, including choosing a store to buy from, ordering, delivery, installation, assembly, and checking that it works.
In particular, large home appliances such as refrigerators and washing machines require checking the delivery route, installation, and initial settings, so it is not uncommon for this to take an entire day.
On the other hand, if you rent a property with furniture and appliances, the furniture and appliances are already in the room and ready to use. For example, you can prepare a hot meal in the microwave from the first day you move in, or start the washing machine right after a long trip, so you will feel much less tired after moving in.
In addition, furniture that requires assembly (such as beds and storage shelves) is already installed, which is a great relief for women living alone or those who are not good at assembling furniture.
Disadvantages | Reasons why people say "don't do it" and actual examples of problems
While it may seem convenient, there is a reason why people say "avoid it." In this chapter, we will introduce the disadvantages of renting with furniture and appliances and some actual examples of problems that have occurred. This is real information that you should know before making your choice.
I can't reflect my own preferences
For people who are particular about interior design or who want to decorate their room in their preferred style, renting an apartment that comes with furniture and appliances can be a major constraint.
For example, even if you think, "I want to be surrounded by wooden furniture with a natural feel" or "I want to keep it all in monochrome," there are already furniture and appliances installed in the room, so you cannot choose freely.
Furthermore, even if you try to change the layout, there may be cases where large furniture is too heavy to move, or its placement is fixed and cannot be moved.
In fact, there are many complaints such as "I can't enjoy movies on the small TV" and "The dining table is not the right height and is difficult to use." In this way, the lack of freedom is likely to be stressful for people who want to realize their ideal lifestyle.
Large burden of response and repair in case of breakdown
A common problem with rented accommodation that comes with furniture and appliances is the breakdown of the appliances after moving in.
For example, if your refrigerator suddenly stops working on a hot summer day or your washing machine stops working mid-operation, it can cause major disruption to your daily life.
Usually, the owner or management company will arrange for repairs or replacements, but depending on the terms of the contract, it may state that minor repairs are the tenant's responsibility.
In fact, there have been cases where people have been charged tens of thousands of yen for repairs due to a malfunction of the heating function of a microwave oven, and have been asked to pay compensation for a broken television remote control.
In addition, repairs often take a long time, and many customers complain that they have to endure inconveniences for several days when they want to use the product right away. In this way, it is important to remember that if repairs or replacements do not proceed smoothly, it can place a significant burden on daily life.
Rents are often higher
Furnished rental properties often have higher rents than regular rental properties.
For example, if a typical one-room apartment costs 70,000 yen per month, it can be as low as 90,000 yen if it comes with furniture and appliances. If you live there for a year at a rent that is 20,000 yen higher per month, you will incur an additional cost of 240,000 yen. With this amount, it is easily possible to purchase a new refrigerator, bed, and washing machine.
Even if you choose it because you want to keep initial costs down, it may actually end up being a bigger burden in the long run.
Especially for those who plan to live there for more than two years, the monthly rent can be quite expensive overall, and some may regret not buying their own furniture and appliances if it was going to cost so much.
This kind of long-term cost calculation is very important.
Troubles when moving out
Troubles upon moving out are also a common issue when renting accommodation that comes with furniture and appliances.
For example, even if the damage is minor and you would not notice it in your everyday life, such as a small scratch on the television, a dent in the refrigerator, or a small chip in the bed frame, you may be charged tens of thousands of yen for restoration costs.
If you let your guard down and think, "It's furniture and appliances that have been used from the beginning," you may be surprised by the unexpectedly high bill.
There are also many stories of people who have had trouble when the owner asked them to provide detailed photos and evidence when they moved out. These costs are difficult to predict in advance, and can end up being a large expense.
Therefore, it is very important to thoroughly check the "conditions upon moving out," the scope of restoration to the original condition, and details of cost burden before signing the contract.
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Points to check before signing a rental contract
In order to "select a rental property you won't regret," there are some things you should check before signing a contract. We will explain in detail the important points you should check in advance, such as rent, facilities, how to handle breakdowns, and moving-out conditions.
Checklist of conditions and facilities when choosing a property
When choosing a furnished apartment, check the following points:
- Are the furniture and appliances new or second-hand?
- Who will pay for repairs in the event of a breakdown?
- Costs when moving out and rules for restoring the property to its original condition
- What costs are included in the rent?
- Are the facilities necessary for daily life (e.g. bed size, refrigerator capacity) suitable for you?
Important questions to ask your real estate agent
Asking these questions can help you avoid problems later on:
- "How often are these furniture and appliances used?"
- How do you handle repairs and replacements?
- What are the cases in which additional costs are incurred when moving out?
- Is there anything in the contract that I should pay special attention to?
Who is suitable for a property with furniture and appliances and who should avoid it?
Many people may be wondering, "Should I choose this, or should I give up?" In this chapter, we will clearly introduce the characteristics of people who are suitable for renting with furniture and appliances, and those who should avoid it. Please use this as a reference to determine whether it suits your lifestyle.
Recommended for:
Renting a furnished apartment is not for everyone. It is especially recommended for the following types of people:
- People who plan to live in a short-term residence or as temporary housing for a few months
- People who frequently move due to job transfers or sudden moves and find it troublesome to move and dispose of furniture and appliances every time they move.
- People who want to keep initial costs to a minimum
- People who want to start living alone as soon as possible
- People who don't have strong preferences for furniture or appliances and don't mind as long as they have functionality
For such people, renting an apartment with furniture and appliances is a convenient option. It is especially suited to the needs of those who are unsure of how long they will be living there or who want to start working immediately after moving in.
People like this should "avoid it"
On the other hand, people like the following types are often told to "not do it."
- People who plan to live in the property for a long time (e.g., for 2 years or more)
- People who have strong preferences for interior design, furniture and home appliances
- People who want to live surrounded by their favorite brands and designs
- People who want to keep the total cost as low as possible
- People who are concerned about additional costs and troubles when moving out
If this applies to you, purchasing your own furniture and appliances will be more cost-effective in the long run and will be less stressful.
Cross House's fully furnished apartments are an option
Disadvantages of renting with furnished appliances include high rent and costs upon moving out, but Cross House's furnished apartments are gaining attention as a new option that solves these problems.
Cross House apartments not only come equipped with furniture and appliances from the start, but also have the major advantage of having initial costs and rent set lower than the average rental price.
For example, while typical furnished rental properties often have higher rent than the market average, Cross House's rates are set to meet the needs of those who want to keep costs as low as possible.
In addition, the initial costs are low, making it a big attraction for people who want to move in and start living right away. It is a perfect option for people who plan to stay for a short period of time or those who are thinking about living alone for the first time.
If you're interested in furnished apartments but are worried about the rent, we recommend you check out Cross House's furnished apartments. This is a property recommended for those who value value for money, as it allows you to start living comfortably right away while keeping initial costs down.
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The advantages and disadvantages of providing your own furniture and appliances
For those who are wondering, "Should I get my own furniture and appliances?", we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of getting them yourself. Understand the differences in cost, effort, freedom, etc., and make a choice you won't regret.
The freedom and fun of choosing new products
The best part about purchasing your own furniture and appliances is the fun of choosing.
You can customize everything to your liking, from the firmness and design of your bed, the capacity and energy-saving performance of your refrigerator, the size of your TV, and even the lighting and curtains.
Especially recently, there are many stylish and functional items on the market, and the joy of being able to create your own space is a major benefit.
Initial costs and hassle
However, if you purchase your own furniture and appliances, it will cost you a lot of money up front.
- Bed: Approx. 30,000 to 100,000 yen
- Refrigerator: Approximately 40,000 to 150,000 yen (depending on capacity and performance)
- Washing machine: Approx. 30,000 to 100,000 yen
- When you include a microwave, vacuum cleaner, lighting, etc., it is not uncommon for the total cost to exceed 200,000 yen.
In addition, it takes time to find these items, go through the purchasing process, have them delivered, and have to be installed. You also have to carry them around when you move.
Problems with disposal and second-hand goods
After a long period of use, you will need to replace or dispose of the appliance. Under the Home Appliance Recycling Law, large appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and televisions incur disposal fees.
The reality is that "buying things is fun, but throwing things away is hard." This burden cannot be overlooked, especially for people who move frequently.
[Summary] Is renting a home with furniture and appliances really worth it? Make the choice that's right for you
Renting a property with furniture and appliances is often seen as convenient and advantageous, but in reality, it is easy to understand why some people say "avoid it." Indeed, the following benefits are very attractive.
- Initial costs are significantly reduced
- No need to purchase, install or set up furniture and appliances
- You can start living right away
However, the following disadvantages cannot be ignored:
- Rent is often higher than normal
- Repair and replacement issues in the event of a breakdown
- Unexpected costs may occur when moving out
- I can't reflect my own preferences
In other words, it is recommended for people who are only planning to live for a short period of time or who want to move in immediately, but it is not recommended for people who are looking to stay long-term and get the most out of their property or who want to be particular about the interior.
Here are some things to consider to help you make the right choice for you:
- Be sure to check the details with the real estate agent before signing a contract
- Know the conditions for moving out
- Be clear about how long you plan to live
- Calmly calculate the value of furniture and appliances included in the rent
By organizing these things in advance, you can avoid regretting your decision by saying, "It's not what I expected," or "I didn't realize it would cost this much."
