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【Furnished Rentals】Are They Worth It? Pros and Cons Explained
2025.09.25
Moving to a new place often involves unexpected expenses. When working within a limited budget, it's natural to want to cut costs wherever possible. This is where furnished rental properties can be a great option.
In this article, we’ll explain the pros and cons of furnished rentals, compare the costs with unfurnished properties, and highlight common issues at move-out and important contract considerations.
What is a Furnished Rental?
A furnished rental is a property that comes equipped with essential furniture and appliances from the start. While the exact items vary depending on the property or management company, most furnished rentals include enough to allow tenants to begin living comfortably right away.
Examples of common furnishings and appliances include:
• Furniture: bed, curtains, desk, sofa, table, chairs
• Appliances: air conditioner, lighting, refrigerator, microwave, washing machine, TV
Pros of Furnished Rentals
・Lower Moving Costs
One of the biggest advantages is that you save on the cost and hassle of buying and moving furniture or appliances. You can also avoid disposal fees when moving out, since you won’t need to get rid of bulky items.
・Ready-to-Live Convenience
With all the essentials already in place, you can move in and start living comfortably on day one. Furnished rentals with immediate availability are ideal for sudden relocations, business trips, or transfers.
・No Key Money or Security Deposit (in Some Cases)
Short-term furnished rentals, such as weekly or monthly apartments, often don’t require a security deposit or key money, and in some cases, no guarantor is needed. Some can even be cheaper than hotels, making them highly popular.
Cons of Furnished Rentals
・Higher Monthly Rent
While upfront costs are lower, rent for furnished properties is usually 20–30% higher than unfurnished ones. For long-term stays, an unfurnished property is often cheaper overall.
・Limited Choice of Furniture
You can’t choose your preferred furniture design or the latest high-tech appliances. Rearranging the layout can also be difficult, which may be inconvenient for those who have strong preferences.
・Second-Hand Furniture and Appliances
Most items have been used by previous tenants. Odors in refrigerators or microwaves and the feel of used mattresses may be uncomfortable for some people.
Cost Comparison: Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Assume the following: Furnished rental: ¥60,000/month, Unfurnished rental: ¥50,000/month, and Furniture/appliance purchase cost: ¥230,000.
| Furnished Rental (¥60,000) | Unfurnished Rental (¥50,000) |
|---|---|---|
1st year cost | ¥720,000（¥60,000×12） | ¥830,000（50,000×12＋¥230,000） |
2nd year cost | ¥1,440000（¥66,000×24） | ¥1,430,000（50,000×24＋¥230,000） |
3rd year cost | ¥2,160,000（¥60,000×36） | ¥2,030,000（50,000×36＋¥230,000） |
Summary:
・Year 1: Furnished rental saves ¥110,000
・Year 2: Unfurnished is cheaper by ¥10,000
・Year 3: Unfurnished saves ¥130,000
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Who is Best Suited for Furnished vs. Unfurnished Rentals?
Who is a Furnished Rental Best For?
・Short stays (a few months to a year)
・Single workers on frequent transfers
・Students or new workers who want to save on initial costs
・People without specific preferences for furniture or appliances
Furnished rentals are ideal for temporary living situations like transfers, training programs, or internships. If you don’t mind used furniture, you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free start.
Who Should Choose an Unfurnished Property?
・Stays longer than one year
・People who already own furniture and appliances
・Those with a strong interest in interior design or modern appliances
・Those uncomfortable with using second-hand items
Unfurnished properties are generally more cost-effective for long-term residents.
Move-Out Issues and Contract Tips
Tenants are responsible for restoring the property to its original condition upon moving out. If damage, stains, or odors on furniture or appliances are deemed the tenant’s fault, high repair or cleaning costs may be charged.
Examples of common issues:
・Broken chair legs → replacement cost charged
・Spilled drinks on the sofa → cleaning fee charged
・Replacing the bed without permission → penalty fee
To avoid disputes:
・Take photos of all furniture and appliances when you move in
・Carefully review the contract for details on repair and replacement costs
Conclusion
A furnished rental is ideal for those who want to start living quickly with minimal initial costs, especially for short-term stays. On the other hand, unfurnished rentals are better for longer stays or those with specific interior preferences.
Choose the right property based on your expected stay duration and lifestyle needs.
At Land Housing, a real estate company in Suginami, we clearly define terms regarding restoration and repairs to help prevent move-out disputes, so you can rent with confidence.
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