How to equip a furnished apartment?
A well-equipped furnished apartment allows prospective tenants to feel "at home" from their very first visit. Comfort, functionality and quality furnishings often make the difference when tenants compare several properties.
For landlords, offering a move-in ready furnished apartment significantly increases the chances of renting the property quickly while attracting reliable long-term tenants.
To help owners prepare their property, Paris Rental has compiled a complete checklist of the equipment required for a furnished rental, along with practical recommendations for each room.
What Is a Furnished Apartment?
In France, the legal definition of a furnished rental is established by law.
According to Article 25-4 of the French Housing Law:
"A furnished dwelling is accommodation in decent condition equipped with sufficient furniture of suitable quality to enable the tenant to sleep, eat and live properly according to the requirements of everyday life."
To comply with this definition, landlords must provide all the essential furniture and household equipment needed for normal daily living.
Paris Rental also offers a downloadable checklist containing the complete inventory recommended for furnished rentals.
The Kitchen: One of the Most Important Rooms
The kitchen is often one of the deciding factors for prospective tenants. A practical, modern and well-maintained kitchen immediately enhances the attractiveness of a furnished apartment.
Built-in cabinets are generally preferable because they provide generous storage while remaining easy to clean. Smooth surfaces require only a quick wipe to remain spotless.
Light-colored cabinets help brighten the room and create a more spacious atmosphere. Installing LED lighting beneath the upper cabinets also improves visibility on the worktops.
For everyday tableware, choosing plain white dishes makes replacement easier whenever an item is broken or chipped.
The Bathroom: Choosing Between a Shower and a Bathtub
The ideal bathroom layout depends on both the available space and the type of tenants you wish to attract.
Showers have become increasingly popular because they consume less water and are generally quicker and easier to use. Whenever possible, the shower should be spacious enough to allow comfortable movement.
A bathtub, however, remains an important feature for families with young children and for tenants who enjoy bathing as part of their daily routine.
When renovating a bathroom, landlords should therefore consider the profile of their target tenants before making a final decision.
The Living Room: Comfort Makes the Difference
The living room should encourage relaxation while remaining practical for everyday use.
Investing in a comfortable sofa bed is often an excellent choice. Tenants renting a one-bedroom furnished apartment particularly appreciate having an additional sleeping space when family or friends come to visit.
To protect your investment, consider choosing a sofa with removable covers that can be washed between tenancies. Decorative throws and cushions also help preserve the upholstery while making the apartment feel warmer and more welcoming.
The Bedroom: Creating a Restful Environment
A furnished rental should offer a bedroom that allows tenants to enjoy restful, comfortable sleep.
Blackout curtains are highly recommended, especially in city centres where street lighting can disturb sleep. Many tenants specifically look for this feature.
Protecting the bedding is equally important. Bedding specialists generally recommend using two washable mattress protectors rather than a single plastic protector, which is often uncomfortable and less breathable.
The same principle applies to pillows. Using an additional plain pillow protector beneath the decorative pillowcase helps keep pillows clean and extends their lifespan.
Cleaning Equipment Is Essential
French regulations require furnished rentals to include the equipment necessary for the routine maintenance of the property.
A vacuum cleaner should therefore be provided, ideally a bagless model for greater convenience. If using a traditional vacuum cleaner, remember to leave spare bags for the tenant.
Other useful cleaning equipment includes:
- a broom and dustpan;
- a mop and bucket;
- basic cleaning tools for the kitchen and bathroom;
- waste bins for the kitchen and bathroom.
Keep Your Furniture Inventory Up to Date
Preparing a detailed inventory of all furniture and equipment is an essential step before renting out a furnished apartment.
This inventory serves as a reference during both the check-in and check-out inspections. It helps verify the condition of every item and reduces the likelihood of disputes at the end of the tenancy.
Whenever furniture, appliances or household equipment are replaced or added, remember to update the inventory accordingly.
Checklist for a Successful Furnished Rental
A well-equipped furnished apartment should offer:
- a fully equipped kitchen with practical storage;
- comfortable, durable furniture;
- quality bedding with protective covers;
- adequate lighting throughout the apartment;
- cleaning equipment for everyday maintenance;
- a regularly updated inventory of furniture and equipment.
By providing a comfortable, functional and fully equipped home, landlords significantly improve their chances of renting their furnished apartment quickly while offering tenants an enjoyable living experience from the day they move in.
Photo by Huy Nguyen on Unsplash.
Editor: Siyi CHEN
