What is a furnished rental property?

Furnished rentals are rental properties that come equipped with a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, bed, desk, air conditioner, etc. Since you can start living there immediately after moving in, they are popular with people who want to keep initial costs down and those planning to stay for a short period of time.

However, the types of furniture and appliances installed vary depending on the property, ranging from a full set to only the bare minimum. It is important to check which furniture and appliances are included before signing the contract. Also, many properties use second-hand items, so you need to pay attention to the condition and performance of the appliances.

The main users are people who plan to live there for a short period of time, such as students, people who are working away from home, and business people who are frequently transferred. While there are benefits to reducing the burden of moving, there are also disadvantages, such as the rent tending to be expensive and not being able to remove unnecessary furniture and appliances. If you plan to live there for a long period of time, it is important to consider the cost compared to regular rentals.

Especially for students, renting an apartment with furniture and appliances is a convenient option that makes it easier to start living alone. For tips on how to start living comfortably while keeping the cost of purchasing appliances down, please refer to the "Complete Guide to Furnished Apartments for Students" .

Four benefits of renting a property with furniture and appliances

Renting a property with furniture and appliances is chosen by many people as a convenient rental style that allows them to start living there easily. There are many benefits, especially for those who plan to live there for a short period of time or who want to reduce the hassle of moving. Here are four major benefits of renting a property with furniture and appliances.

① Initial costs can be reduced

In a normal rental property, you will need to purchase a full set of furniture and appliances, which generally requires an initial investment of at least 100,000 yen. In particular, purchasing large furniture and appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, bed, or desk can add up to a considerable amount of money.

However, with a fully furnished apartment, all the necessary equipment is provided from the start, so there is no need to purchase anything new. This can significantly reduce your initial costs. It is an economical option, especially for students and new graduates who want to keep moving costs as low as possible.

In addition to saving on the purchase of furniture and appliances, you can also cut transportation costs when moving, allowing for further cost savings. For students in particular, furnished apartments are a great option for starting a comfortable life while keeping costs down. For more information, please see "Furnished Apartments Are Recommended for Students! We Explain the Reasons and Costs!"

② Less burden of moving

In a normal rental property, you will need to transport your furniture and appliances when moving, which is especially difficult when it comes to large items like refrigerators, washing machines, beds, etc. If you use a moving company, the transportation costs alone can cost tens of thousands of yen.

If you rent a property with furniture and appliances, the necessary furniture and appliances are already installed, so the amount of luggage you need to move is significantly reduced. Therefore, in many cases you can carry your luggage yourself without using a moving company, which not only saves you money but also reduces the hassle of moving.

It also shortens the time it takes to move, which is a great benefit for busy working people and those who want to start a new life right away.

3. Smooth moving in and moving out

In a normal rental property, it takes time to purchase and install furniture and appliances, so you may not be able to live comfortably right away after moving in. Also, when you move out, you may need to dispose of unnecessary furniture and appliances, which can be time-consuming and costly.

On the other hand, if you rent an apartment with furniture and appliances, you can start living there right away, which greatly reduces the stress of moving. Curtains, beds, appliances, etc. are provided, so you can start living as usual as soon as you unpack your things.

When you move out, you don't have to dispose of your furniture or appliances, so the move-out process is simple. In a typical rental property, you have to sell, throw away, or give away your furniture and appliances, but with a rental property that comes with furniture and appliances, you don't have to go through all that trouble, and you can move out smoothly by simply returning the key.

This smoothness is especially appealing for people who are living there for a short period due to a job transfer, studying abroad, or training. If you would like to know about the move-in procedures and points to note when signing a contract, please see ``What are the move-in procedures for furnished apartments? Points to note when signing a contract are also explained!'' . In addition, detailed information about the move-out procedures is explained in ``A complete guide to the move-out procedures for furnished apartments .''

4. It is advantageous for short-term residence

Furnished rentals are often more cost-effective than regular rentals if you are signing a short-term contract of less than one year. Regular rentals require initial costs to purchase furniture and appliances, but if you are only planning to live there for a short period of time, you may not be able to recoup that investment.

For example, if you rent a furnished apartment for a year due to a job transfer, you won't need to buy furniture or appliances, and you won't have to deal with the trouble of disposing of them when you move out, which will ultimately reduce costs. Also, compared to monthly or weekly apartments, they are often relatively affordable, making them an ideal choice for short-term residence.

It is especially recommended for the following people:

• People who need to live temporarily due to business trips or being transferred away from their family
• People who need to rent a room for short-term study abroad or training
• People looking for temporary housing while changing jobs, etc.

If you are considering renting a property with furniture and appliances, we recommend Cross House's "Furnished Apartments." There is no deposit, key money, or brokerage fee, and the initial cost is a reasonable flat 50,000 yen. What's more, rent starts from the 60,000 yen range, making it a more affordable option than monthly apartments.

We have many properties with good accessibility, mainly in the Tokyo area, and you can sign a lease for as little as one month. This is the perfect place to live for those who want to live alone, but want to keep initial costs and rent low.

You can search for "Furnished Apartments" here.

Five disadvantages of renting a property with furniture and appliances

Although there are many benefits to renting a property with furniture and appliances, the disadvantages cannot be ignored. In particular, there are some points to be aware of that are different from regular rental properties, such as higher rent and less freedom in layout. Here, we will explain in detail the five disadvantages you should be aware of when living in a rental property with furniture and appliances.

① Rent tends to be expensive

The rent for furnished apartments tends to be 1.2 to 1.3 times higher than that for regular apartments. The reasons for this are as follows:

• Cost of providing furniture and appliances: The owner is responsible for the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances, which is added to the rent.
• Added value of convenience: With furniture and appliances provided, it is convenient to be able to move in immediately, so rent is set higher.
• Assume short-term contracts: Furnished rental properties are often designed for short-term occupancy, and rents are often set high to ensure a profit in the short term.

For example, if the rent for a regular rental property in the same area and size is 50,000 yen, a rental property with furniture and appliances may be around 60,000 yen. At first glance, it may seem like a good deal, but you should be aware that if you plan to live there for a long period of time, the total cost will add up.

In particular, if you are planning to live in the property for more than two years, it may be more economical to live in a regular rental property and purchase your own furniture and appliances.

②Unable to remove unnecessary furniture and appliances

In a furnished rental property, the furniture and appliances are already installed. Therefore, even if there are any furniture or appliances that you no longer need, you cannot dispose of them on your own.

for example,

• The appliance overlaps with one you already own (e.g., you have a particular refrigerator, but it overlaps with the one that comes with the appliance)
• The furniture size doesn't fit (e.g. the dining table is too big and gets in the way)
• It doesn't fit your lifestyle (e.g., you have a sofa, but you don't use it much and it takes up space in the room)

Especially in compact rooms such as studios and 1Ks, unnecessary furniture can take up space and reduce freedom of movement. Therefore, it is important to check what furniture and appliances are installed before signing a contract and carefully decide whether they suit your lifestyle.

3) Low degree of freedom in layout

The disadvantage of renting a property that comes with furniture and appliances is that the layout of the furniture and appliances is often fixed, making it difficult to customize it to your liking.

for example,

• I can't change the position of the TV
• Even if you want to change the direction of your bed, you can't do so due to space restrictions.
• Changing the dining table position will disrupt traffic flow

For those who are thinking about how to arrange their interior and traffic flow in a way that is easy for them to use, not being able to rearrange things freely can be stressful. Also, even if there is furniture you want to bring in, it may be difficult to install it because it is already installed.

In particular, this property is not suitable for people who are particular about interior design or who want to enjoy redecorating.

4) Equipment is often second-hand

In most cases, the furniture and appliances provided in furnished rental properties are second-hand.

Notes on used items

• Although it has been cleaned, it is likely to show signs of use.
• The appliances used by the previous occupants may be old and of poor performance.
• If cleaning is insufficient, hygiene is a concern

For example, you may encounter problems such as "the air conditioner filter was dirty," "there was mold inside the washing machine," "there were burn marks inside the microwave," etc. Furthermore, old appliances may have low energy-saving performance, which can lead to high electricity bills.

If you are concerned, it is important to check the condition of the facilities before signing a contract and consult with the real estate company about whether they can provide cleaning or replacement services.

5. Repair costs may be incurred in the event of a breakdown

In furnished rental properties, all furniture and appliances are provided when you move in, so if the equipment breaks down, the question arises as to who will be responsible for the repair costs.

Repair cost burden pattern

(1) The lessor (landlord/management company) bears the cost

• In the case of malfunctions due to natural failure or deterioration over time
• If the appliances are provided as amenities, the landlord will often replace them.

(2) To be borne by the tenant

• Damage caused by usage (dropping, exposure to water, etc.)
• If you are inheriting appliances from the previous tenant, rather than appliances provided by the landlord
• If the contract clearly states that repair costs are to be borne by the tenant

In particular, depending on the contents of the contract, if any appliances break down, the tenant may be responsible for the cost, so it is important to check carefully before moving in. Also, if important appliances such as air conditioners or washing machines break down, the repair costs may be high.

Before signing a contract, it is important to check with the real estate company what will happen in the event of a breakdown and to clarify the rules for who will be responsible for repair costs.

Characteristics of people who are suitable and unsuitable for renting furnished apartments

While furnished rental properties are convenient because you can start living there right away, they also have the disadvantage of being costly and restricting the freedom to choose the interior if you plan to live there for a long time. Therefore, whether or not a property is suitable for you depends largely on the lifestyle and values ​​of the person who will be living there.

Here, we will explain in detail the characteristics of people who are suitable and unsuitable for renting furnished accommodation.

Characteristics of people who are suitable for renting furnished apartments

1. People who want to keep initial costs down

In a normal rental property, you will have to pay a large amount of initial costs when you move in, such as a security deposit, key money, agency fees, and the cost of purchasing furniture and home appliances. In particular, it is not uncommon to incur expenses of more than 100,000 yen when purchasing new furniture and home appliances such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, bed, or table.

However, if you rent an apartment with furniture and appliances, you can reduce the cost of purchasing furniture and appliances because the necessary equipment for daily life is already provided from the start. Therefore, it is ideal for the following people.

• Students and new graduates who want to keep expenses to a minimum
• People who suddenly need to move due to a job change or transfer
• People who are on a budget and don't want to spend money on furniture and appliances

Especially for those who are starting to live alone, it has a great benefit of reducing the burden of moving.

2. People who plan to live in the country for a short period of time (1-2 years)

Furnished rental properties are suitable for people who plan to live there for a short period of time, such as one or two years. If you purchase furniture and appliances in a regular rental property, you will encounter problems when you move out after a short period of time, such as "what to do with the furniture you no longer need" and "the cost of disposing of the appliances."

On the other hand, if you rent an apartment that comes with furniture and appliances, you can move easily because you don't have to dispose of the furniture and appliances when you move out.

It is especially recommended for the following people:

• People who live alone or temporarily because of a job transfer
• Students who plan to stay for a few years for further study or training
• People who are temporarily relocating to change jobs or study for exams

If you plan to live there for a short period of time, even if the rent for a furnished apartment is a little more expensive, you may be able to reduce your total costs.

3. People who move frequently

Renting an apartment with furniture and appliances also has great benefits for people who move regularly due to work or lifestyle.

Normally, if you have to transport your furniture and appliances every time you move, not only will the moving costs be high, but it will also involve the hassle of transporting them and the risk of damage. However, if you rent a place that comes with furniture and appliances, you can move with just the bare minimum of luggage, making your move smoother.

It is especially suitable for the following people:

• Business people who transfer frequently
• Freelancers and nomads who change bases regularly
• People who travel a lot and spend little time at home

It's a great option for those looking to live a lightweight lifestyle, as it eliminates the hassle of having to transport furniture every time you move.

Characteristics of people who are not suited to renting furnished apartments

1. People who plan to live here for the long term

Renting a property with furniture and appliances is suitable for short-term occupancy, but it tends to be expensive for long-term stays.

Compared to regular rental properties, rent for furnished apartments is often set 1.2 to 1.3 times higher, so the disadvantage is that the total cost will be higher if you live there for a long period of time.

For example, in some cases, a property that would normally cost 50,000 yen in rent could cost as much as 60,000 yen if it comes with furniture and appliances. This may seem like a good deal for a short period of time, but if you plan to live there for more than two years, the difference in rent will add up and it may be cheaper to rent the property and purchase furniture and appliances yourself.

Therefore, it is not suitable for the following people:

• Those who plan to live in the country for three years or more
• People who want to live at the lowest possible cost
• People who want to recoup the rent by staying in the property for a long time

If you plan to live there long term, it would be more economical to rent a regular property and purchase your own furniture and appliances.

2. People who are particular about interior design

When renting a property that comes with furniture and appliances, you have to use the furniture and appliances that are already installed, so you have less freedom in designing the interior.

for example,

• I want to be particular about the design of my room, but I don't like the furniture that comes with it.
• You want to put in your favorite sofa or table, but it's already installed and it's in the way
• I want to use my favorite brand of home appliances, but I can't exchange them for the ones I already have

For these reasons, it is not suitable for people who want to freely change the layout of their room or who value their own style. Also, even for people who like to redecorate, not being able to move the built-in furniture can be stressful.

3. People who want to purchase their favorite furniture and appliances

When renting an apartment that comes with furniture and appliances, the rule is that you basically use the items that are provided, so there is often no space to install furniture or appliances that you purchase yourself.

• I want to use high-performance home appliances, but I can't install them because I already have some
• You want to put your favorite bed or desk, but there isn't enough space.
• When you try to arrange the furniture you bought yourself, the furniture provided gets in the way

In particular, this property is not suitable for people who want to purchase new furniture and appliances, or who want to create a unique interior.

Options other than furnished rentals

Renting a property with furniture and appliances is a convenient option for starting a new life easily, but it also has disadvantages such as higher rent. Therefore, if you want to keep initial costs down while also considering the balance between cost and freedom, it is important to consider other options.

Here we introduce three options to help you start your new life smoothly without having to rely on rented accommodation with furniture and appliances.

1. Use furniture and appliance rental services

Furniture and appliance rental services allow you to rent the furniture and appliances you need for a certain period of time by paying a monthly fee, and are convenient for temporary residence such as when you are working away from home, when you are transferred for a short period of time, or when you are studying abroad.

The main services include subscription-based services such as "CLAS," "Kasete! Dot Com," and "DMM Various Rentals," as well as specialized home appliance rental services such as "Rentio."

The advantages are that you can keep initial costs down and you don't have to dispose of them when you move out. On the other hand, the disadvantages are that it can be more expensive than buying them for long-term use, and you may not be able to choose the furniture and appliances you want.

This service is recommended for people who are living alone for a short period of time or who are being transferred, people who do not want to buy new furniture, and people who find it troublesome to purchase furniture and appliances every time they move.

2. Use flea market apps and set sales

It is common for new furniture and home appliances to cost over 100,000 yen, but you can purchase them more cheaply by taking advantage of flea market apps or set sales.

If you use flea market apps (Mercari, Jimoty, Rakuma, etc.), you can buy second-hand goods cheaply, and if you use local bulletin boards, you can even trade directly with no shipping fees. Some posts even say "I'll give it to you for free," so you can get furniture and home appliances at a bargain price.

On the other hand, you can purchase new products at a discount by using the "New Life Appliance Sets" offered by major electronics retailers (Nitori, Yamada Denki, Rakuten Ichiba, etc.).

The advantages are cost savings and freedom of choice, while the disadvantages are the inconsistency in quality of second-hand goods and the hassle of delivery. It is especially recommended for people who want to purchase furniture and home appliances cheaply or who don't care about buying new items.

3) Consider a shared house or monthly apartment

Even if you don't insist on renting something with furniture and appliances, you can choose a shared house or monthly apartment to ensure a living environment with all the necessary amenities.

A share house is a style of living where you have your own private room while sharing the living room, kitchen, bathroom, etc., and many properties do not require a deposit or key money, which helps keep initial costs down.

Monthly apartments can be rented on a monthly basis and come with furniture and appliances, so you can start living there right away. However, you should be aware that rent can be expensive due to the short-term contract.

The advantages are that there is less of a burden when moving and it is ideal for short-term living, while the disadvantages are the privacy restrictions of a shared house and the high rent of a monthly apartment.

This is recommended for people planning a short stay or who want to live without purchasing furniture or appliances.

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summary

Renting a property with furniture and appliances is a convenient rental style that can reduce initial costs and ease the burden of moving. It has many benefits, especially for those planning to live in a short-term residence or move suddenly.

However, there are also disadvantages, such as rent tending to be higher and less freedom in choosing furniture and appliances, so it is important to make a choice that suits your lifestyle.

Also, if you are looking for flexible housing while keeping costs down, you may want to consider options such as furniture and appliance rental services, flea market apps, shared houses, and monthly apartments.

If you are considering renting a property with furniture and appliances, we recommend Cross House's "Furnished Apartment." With no deposit, key money, or brokerage fees, an initial fee of 50,000 yen, and rent starting from 60,000 yen, you can start living alone at a reasonable price. Contracts can be made for as little as one month, making it a more affordable option than monthly apartments.