Definition of Un/Part/Fully Furnished Rental Property

[PringlesQueen]

Please could anybody clarify the differences between the above?
I have searched through many sites and have found very different answers.

Many thanks

[Buenchico]

I think you've probably posed an unanswerable question!

You state that you've already looked at plenty of sites but, for the most accurate information, I suggest that ARLA's site is probably as good as anything. ('ARLA' is the Association of Retail Letting Agents, the organisation which the vast majority of letting agents belong to).

This is the relevant quote from their site:
"Are There Any Rules About What Comes With A Property If Its Fully Furnished, Furnished, Part Furnished Or Unfurnished?

No, there are no strict rules but both expectations and reality can vary in different areas of the country and even within different niche sectors within the local markets.

Generally, a property offered as 'fully furnished' would come with all the main fixtures, furnishings and fittings, white goods etc., plus the standard crockery, cutlery, glassware, pots and pans etc., that a reasonable tenant would normally use on a day to day basis.

At the other end of the scale, an 'unfurnished' property would normally be provided only with such basics as carpets, curtains and light fittings.

Clearly, there are infinite variations between these two extremes of what might be included. Therefore, the critical aspect, whether you are a landlord or tenant, is to make sure that everyone clearly understands what main items are, or are not, included before finalising the tenancy agreement".

So, I'm sorry that I've not really answered your question but, if ARLA can't properly answer it, nobody can!

Chris

[Buenchico]

PS: For what it's worth, here's what I'd expect if I was viewing a flat:

1. If the ad stated 'unfurnished', I'd expect a completely empty property. (i.e. no carpets, curtains or even light-bulbs). I'd go to view on this basis but I'd not be too surprised if I found that carpets, curtains, etc were actually included.

2. If I went to view a 'part furnished' flat, I'd assume that some of the basic furnishings would be present. e.g. I'd probably expect to see a bed but I wouldn't be surprised if I had to buy my own desk to put my PC on.

3. To me, a 'furnished property' ought to have all of the basic items of furniture that most people need for their daily lives. A bed would be a necessity plus a few chairs and somewhere to eat my meal off. (I still wouldn't be too bothered if I had to buy a desk).

4. I don't necessarily expect more from a 'fully furnished property' than from one which is just 'furnished'. (That desk would be nice though!). Despite the suggestions on the ARLA site, I probably wouldn't automatically expect cutlery or pots & pans but I wouldn't be too surprised to find these items included. (Strangely though, if it was a 'holiday let', I probably would expect 'fully furnished' to include these items).

Chris

PPS: I forgot to link to the ARLA site:
http://www.arla.co.uk/info/landlords.htm

[PringlesQueen]

Thank you both very much - invaluable information.