Generally speaking, in this area (Gravesham) there is a greater demand for unfurnished properties. We believe that this is due to the readily available and affordable supply of furniture. It also allows a tenant to make the property feel more homely and personal to them. This is also dependent on the size and location of your property, if you are renting a 3-bed house the likelihood is a family will be moving in who already have all of their belongings and furniture, however a studio or 1 bed flat may be for someone as their first home so they may need furniture to move. Regardless, with unfurnished properties you would still be expected to supply the three Cs - carpet, cooker and curtains.

There are no lists of what you are required to leave and we would not recommend you spend any money in order to let your property. Sometimes however, because of the fire and safety regulations, you may need to remove certain items. In these cases, the property would be let on a part furnished basis.

The level of rent which can be justified for a furnished or unfurnished property will be determined not only by the size of the accommodation but also by the standard and extent of the furnishings themselves.

With furnished accommodation it is usual to provide a complete range of kitchen appliances, as well as furniture in living rooms and bedrooms. Anything that is left should be in good, clean working order.

It is advisable to remove any duplicate sets of household items and all delicate, sentimental, or irreplaceable objects.

All upholstered furniture must comply with the Fire Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations of 1988 if they are to be left in the property.

Since 1990 all upholstered furniture sold in shops has to comply with regulations, and in order to show compliance carries a permanent label stating the test to which it has been subjected and approved. Other than furniture manufactured before 1950, it is an offence to let a property with furniture which does not comply with the act. The maximum fine is £5,000 or six-months imprisonment or both. Regrettably, if these labels have been removed, they cannot be reapplied, nor can receipts be used to try and prove the age of the item.

Insurance: Should you decide to rent your property furnished remember that you will need adequate contents insurance cover.  

Inventory: Whilst you should get an inventory whether you let your property furnished or unfurnished, producing one for a furnished property will take longer and cost more to produce by an inventory clerk.  

Should you have any queries regarding this or anything else property related please do not hesitate to contact the office.