In Florida, there are no specific rules about what landlords or property management companies need to provide when they rent out houses or apartments. While all rental units must be fit to be lived in, meaning they need to be structurally sound and have working plumbing as well as hot water and heating/cooling, landlords have no specific obligation to provide furnishings and appliances. Hence, checking whether the Destin apartment you consider renting is furnished or unfurnished is important in order to find a place that suits your needs and priorities best.
Undoubtedly, renting a furnished apartment can make your life much easier when moving to a new place. On the other hand, renting an unfurnished space can bring along a series of advantages you should definitely consider.
The Top Benefits of Renting an Unfurnished Destin Apartment
Before we discuss the benefits and reasons why you should consider choosing an unfurnished Destin apartment over a furnished unit, let’s find out what the term “unfurnished” actually means. In most cases, unfurnished apartments don’t contain any furniture. However, most of them come standard with basic appliances, such as a cooktop/oven, microwave, refrigerator, dishwasher, washer/dryer, and even walk-in closets. Now, let’s dive into the pros of renting an unfurnished apartment in Destin, FL.
You Have the Freedom to Choose the Furniture You Like
Landlords and apartment managers don’t decorate their rental properties with tenants’ preferences in mind. Therefore, renting an unfurnished apartment is the only way to decorate it the way you like without being limited by the furniture that’s already there.
When you rent an unfurnished unit, not only will you be able to choose the furniture style you prefer and set up the area to suit your lifestyle, but you can also opt for a specific furniture color or come up with different color combinations that can make your space look fresh and chic. Being able to choose your favorite furniture style and colors will give you more control over your living environment, which can go a long way toward making the rental feel more like your home.
You May Benefit from a Lower Rental Rate
Another advantage of renting an unfurnished apartment is that it may be less expensive than comparable furnished apartments in the area. This turns unfurnished rental units into an excellent option, particularly for those on a tight budget.
The main reason why unfurnished Destin apartments cost less than their furnished counterparts is that those units typically come with longer lease terms. Since filling vacant units is often a time-consuming and expensive process (considering that apartment managers need to clean and repaint each unit, sort through tenant applications, and arrange showings), apartment complex managers are usually willing to offer a reduced rent in exchange for an extended lease.
However, some people may feel that renting a furnished unit is well worth the price difference, considering that it saves them from having to purchase furniture. On the downside, landlords typically charge 15% to 20% more per month for a furnished apartment. Thus, if you’re looking to rent long-term, an unfurnished apartment is definitely more cost-effective than a furnished unit. And since you don’t have to get everything all at once when you move to your first Destin apartment, a lower monthly rent could make buying your own furniture and any other items you might need less stressful. But be sure to adjust your budget for this additional expense.
You Don’t Need to Worry about Furniture Damage
Let’s face it: accidents happen, especially when least expected. Whether you break a chair, one of your friends spills coffee on the light-colored couch, or a table leg becomes your dog’s favorite chew toy, the apartment manager will require you to repair or replace the damaged item(s). If you refuse, the manager has the right to keep all or part of the security deposit, which can be quite a large amount for a furnished apartment.
Renting an unfurnished unit negates this worry. Even though you’ll need to invest in furniture when you rent an unfurnished apartment, you don’t have to worry about covering the cost of repairing or replacing damaged furniture. When you have your own furniture, you can also replace it as needed without having to wait for the landlord to decide it’s time for an upgrade.
Finding the right apartment and moving to a new place can feel overwhelming. If you’re looking for an unfurnished apartment in Destin, FL, our team of professionals is here to give you a helping hand with choosing an apartment that best suits your needs. Whether you want to learn more about our apartments, amenities, or our community, contact us today at (850) 837-3131!