Should You Rent Furnished or Unfurnished in DC?
If you’re a property owner in DC, one of the most common questions that comes up before listing is:
Should I rent it furnished or unfurnished?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, it really depends on your property, your ideal tenant, and your goals. Here’s what we usually walk through with our clients:
Furnished: When It Makes Sense
Renting your place furnished can be a smart move if:
- You’re targeting short-term renters, think internships, government contracts, or people relocating for work.
- The property is in great condition and already stylishly furnished.
- You want a higher rent, furnished rentals can sometimes command 10–20% more.
- You’re not ready to move furniture out.
The flip side? Furnished rentals often mean shorter leases, higher turnover, and more wear and tear on your stuff. You’ll need to be ready for that kind of cycle.
Unfurnished: The Standard for a Reason
Most rentals in DC are unfurnished, and here’s why that might work better:
- Attracts long-term tenants.
- Lower risk: no furniture = fewer things to maintain or replace.
- Wider pool of applicants.
If you’re working with a property manager (like us), it’s easier to keep things simple and consistent lease to lease.
So… Which One Is Better?
If your goal is steady income with less hassle, go unfurnished.
If you want to maximize rent or cater to short-term renters, furnished might be worth exploring, just know it comes with more moving parts.
Still not sure? We’re happy to look at your property and help you decide what’s best for your setup and location.