If you’re looking for an apartment, chances are you’ve come across terms like “furnished,” “semi-furnished,” and “unfurnished.” Let’s discuss the ins and outs of renting an unfurnished apartment today.
Here’s what you should expect when choosing an unfurnished apartment for rent:
Key Features of an Unfurnished Apartment
First things first, let’s unpack what an unfurnished apartment actually means. It is a rental unit that comes as a blank canvas. There is no movable furniture, but you might find some essential or built-in appliances.
You can expect the following items:
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Basic fixtures, such as kitchen cabinets and sinks.
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Bathroom fittings, such as toilets, sinks, and showers.
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Flooring.
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Lighting.
Some major appliances may be included. Examples include:
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Refrigerator
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Stove
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Microwave oven
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Washing machine
An unfinished apartment doesn’t include beds, sofas, and tables. Moreover, decor items like curtains, rugs, and lamps are not included.
Always verify the exact inventory when looking for unfurnished apartments for rent in Tokyo. Ask the rental company to show you pictures and give you a list of all the appliances that are included.
What to Consider
Before you rent an unfurnished apartment, there are a couple of factors you should be aware of. First off, know that you’re responsible for the entire move-in process. You could either buy new furniture or reuse what you already own. In any case, you need to hire movers and make sure the furniture is set up safely in your apartment.
Moreover, you’re responsible for the maintenance and replacement of your furniture. The landlord or rental company will take care of the building’s maintenance and any provided appliances.
Lastly, moving into an unfurnished apartment means you’ll be bearing high upfront costs. You will have to purchase furniture, a bed, decor, and potentially appliances.
Advantages of Renting an Unfurnished Apartment
The benefits of renting an unfurnished apartment include:
Creative space
Renting an unfurnished space means having the freedom to decorate or organize it as you like. From furniture to decor, you can choose items that suit your aesthetics and budget.
There’s no need to live with an unsightly cupboard that takes up an unreasonable amount of space in your apartment. With movable furniture, you can change the layout as many times as you like.
Pro tip? Look for an unfurnished apartment with an open layout and floor plan. Fewer walls and the large, undefined space offer endless possibilities for furniture arrangement. You can easily adapt to different needs, such as a home office or a gym.
Low monthly rent
Yes, renting an unfurnished apartment means high upfront costs. But low monthly rents pretty much cover up that initial expense. This means potential long-term savings.
Low security deposit
Renters charge a high security deposit when you rent a furnished apartment to cover any damages. But for unfurnished properties, security deposits are often lower because there is no landlord-owned furniture to damage.
Disadvantages of Unfurnished Apartments
Now let’s discuss some downsides of renting an unfurnished apartment. Here’s a brief breakdown:
Time-consuming setup
Shopping, moving, and assembling new furniture is time-consuming. And if you don’t like going furniture shopping, the entire process can feel like an unnecessary annoyance.
Move-in difficulties
As mentioned earlier, renters are responsible for moving and setting up furniture in their units. This can be challenging for busy professionals or for those moving from another city.
Move-out difficulties
Similarly, moving out with all your furniture at the end of the lease term can be challenging.
When You Should Consider an Unfurnished Apartment
Despite the cons, renting an unfurnished apartment is a great idea if:
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You plan to stay in one place for a year or more.
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You are moving in with your family and want to invest in a stable home.
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You want to design and decorate the space to reflect your unique style and preferences.
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You already own furniture.
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You wish to buy new furniture.
