When I first started renting rooms in my home, I quickly learned that furnished rooms work much better for my type of rental.
Most people looking to rent a room are not moving an entire household. Many are relocating for work, separating from a spouse or partner, leaving a roommate situation, or trying to save money while they decide their next step.
Advantages
Larger applicant pool
Simple to move in
Simple to move out
Attractive to people relocating
Less wear and tear moving furniture
Less hassle overall
Disadvantages
Cost of the furniture (although most landlords already have what’s needed)
Occasional damage
Need to replace them eventually
The main disadvantage is that you are responsible for the furniture. Items will eventually wear out, and occasionally something may be damaged. However, in my experience, the added convenience and larger applicant pool make furnished rooms worth the extra responsibility.
What I Provide in Their Bedroom
Bed frame with headboard
Mattress
Pillow
Linens
Dresser
Small desk & chair
Nightstand
Reading lamp
The bedroom you have available may not have room for a desk and chair or two nightstands. That’s okay. This will still work with what you have.
You might think I am overdoing it and I might be, but I want my housemates to have everything they need in their bedrooms. Experience has taught me that they will be spending 90% of their time in their rooms so why not make it as comfortable as possible.
A Few Shared Household Basics
I do not want to “nickel and dime” housemates over small items that everyone uses. I prefer to charge a fair rent and keep the household running smoothly. I charge enough rent to comfortably cover those small shared household items.
Final Thoughts
For my situation, furnished rooms have been the best choice. They attract more of the people I want as housemates, make move-ins and move-outs easier, reduce the amount of furniture being dragged through the house, and make the rental more convenient for people in transition.
There is some cost involved, and furniture will occasionally need to be repaired or replaced. But in my experience, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.
If you are planning to rent rooms in the home you live in, I strongly recommend starting with furnished rooms. It makes the entire process easier for both you and your future housemates.
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