A rental apartment should be furnished so a tenant can move in and live right away, with durable pieces that are easy to clean, rather than many expensive extras. For most apartments, spending on the bed, mattress, air conditioner, kitchen and washing machine pays off more than extra decoration.
1. Three common furnishing levels
| Level | What it includes | Suits |
| Basic | Air conditioner, water heater, lights, curtains, induction hob and extractor hood | Tenants who bring their own bed, wardrobe and appliances |
| Standard | Basic plus bed, mattress, wardrobe, sofa, refrigerator and washing machine | Most tenants who want to move straight in |
| Full | Standard plus desk, kitchenware, small items and wifi | Short-term tenants, expatriates and families newly arrived |
Whichever level you choose, state it in the lease. If tenants buy large items themselves, also write down who keeps them when they move out.
2. Four groups to prioritise
Sleeping. The bed and mattress are what tenants use most. A worn or sagging mattress is a common reason tenants ask for a discount or do not renew. Blackout curtains are worth having too.
Cooking and laundry. Hob, extractor hood, refrigerator and washing machine. Choose appliances that are still under warranty and keep the brand’s service number to fix faults quickly.
Working. More people work from home. A desk, a proper chair, a power socket near the desk and a stable internet connection are usually appreciated.
Finishing touches. Bright enough lighting, a mirror, hooks, a bin and a shoe rack. Small items, but they make the apartment look ready to live in.
3. Spending that is easy to waste
Elaborate decoration, light-coloured rugs, fabric sofas that are hard to wash or lamps with many details wear out quickly and take effort to clean. Neutral colours and wipe-clean materials suit many tastes and keep the apartment looking good between tenancies.
| Warning Avoid appliances of unknown origin without a warranty. One that fails after a few months costs time to handle and costs you the tenant’s goodwill. |
4. Keep an inventory and maintain it
Prepare an inventory with quantities, condition and photos, attached to the lease. With each new tenant, review it to see what needs replacing. Regular checks of the air conditioner, mattress and hob help you spot wear early, before the tenant has to report it.
| Remember Furnish enough in sleeping, cooking and laundry, and working; choose durable, neutral pieces; and list everything in the lease. That keeps the apartment easy to rent without overspending. |
