Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement – Unfurnished House

An Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreement for an unfurnished house is a document that provides the legal framework for renting out a property. This type of tenancy agreement gives landlords certain rights over the property, but also provides tenants with some protection

When you use an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement – Unfurnished House, it should cover all the important details about the rental including: how much rent will be paid, when and how often payments are due; what bills are included in the rent; any restrictions on occupancy or subletting; when notices can be served and by whom; and other rules such as noise levels and pets. The agreement is designed to give both parties peace of mind and to ensure that the tenancy is mutually beneficial.

To make sure a Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement – Unfurnished House is done properly, landlords should be clear and honest about every aspect of the rental agreement. They also need to ensure they are compliant with all relevant laws, as failure to do so could lead to hefty fines or even eviction proceedings. Landlords should also check their tenant’s references carefully, as this can help minimise any problems further down the line.

What is included in an unfurnished property?

The fixtures and fittings included in an unfurnished property can vary greatly. Some landlords may include bathroom and kitchen fixtures, flooring or carpets, white goods and major appliances, such as a fridge/ freezer, oven and washing machine. Others might not include anything beyond the basics. Be sure to clarify what is included in the inventory before signing a lease agreement.

A property that includes a freestanding wardrobe or dining table is usually no longer considered unfurnished and could be classified as part-furnished instead.

What is meant by part-furnished property?

This is the midpoint for tenants who have started to buy furniture but still need to rent a place that has essentials. As a landlord, you can choose how your part-furnished apartment or house looks by adding touches that make the property liveable, such as coffee tables and lamps.

If you include furniture like sofas and beds, or just white goods like a fridge, stove, and dishwasher, your property is considered part-furnished. This means that your tenant can bring some of their own furniture. As long as you have a balance between furniture you provide and furniture the tenant can bring, your property will be fine.

What are the advantages of an unfurnished AST agreement?

Some advantages to renting out your property unfurnished are that you have a higher chance of attracting tenants who stay longer. They will likely already have furniture and not want to deal with the hassle and expense of moving all their stuff. This also means fewer vacancies for you. More people searching will be looking for an empty space they can personalize to their own taste anyway, so it's easier to catch their attention this way.

In addition, tenants who bring their own furniture will be responsible for making the now-empty flat or house into a furnished space. This provides them with the opportunity to set up the property as they deem fit and eliminates requests you might receive from them related to needing replacement furniture.

With no of your furniture in the residence, you won't have track inventory that may require updating or replacing before new tenants move in; nor do wear and tear concerns apply.

Rather than the landlord, it is the responsibility of the tenant for replacements and breakages. Also, Landlord insurance and other cover types are still options to explore, but you as the landlord wouldn't be responsible for insuring your tenants' furniture and belongings out of pocket. Unfurnished properties still necessitate inventories--although much shorter ones in comparison to furnished properties.

What are the disadvantages of an unfurnished AST agreement?

There are some reasons why you might not want to furniture your rental property. One reason is that you might not be able to get as much money for rent. This is because people who rent unfurnished properties have to buy their own furniture.

If you do not offer furniture with your rental property, it might make it less attractive to some people who might want to rent it. This is especially true for students and young people who may not have their own furniture yet or for professional renters who might move a lot for their jobs. However, many tenants do not want you to furnish the property because they have their own furniture and they do not want to pay extra for a furnished property when they do not need it.

When you agree to remove furniture for a tenant who doesn't want it furnished, you are now responsible for the moving and storing of that furniture until new tenants come along - each time costing you more money and energy.