Furnished room to rent: what to expect and what to ask
"Furnished" can mean very different things from one advert to the next. Ask for a list before you commit, so you know what you need to bring and what you can rely on.
What a furnished room commonly includes
- A bed, mattress and somewhere to store clothes
- A desk or table and a chair, useful if you work from your room
- Curtains or blinds and a working lock on the door
- In shared areas: a cooker, fridge or fridge-freezer, and basic kitchen furniture. Check whether pans, crockery and a kettle are provided.
Bedding, towels and cooking equipment are often not included. Ask rather than assume.
Safety and condition
Landlords must make sure furniture they supply is fire safe and that appliances they provide are safe. Look for the fire-safety labels on upholstered furniture and mattresses, and see landlord safety responsibilities. Check mattresses and bedframes for damage, and report any damp: see damp and mould.
Questions to ask before moving in
- Is there a written inventory or list of what is provided in the room and shared areas?
- Who repairs or replaces furniture and appliances if they fail? See repairs in a rented room.
- May I bring my own items, and where can I store things I do not use?
- Which bills and extras are included? See bills included, explained.
Record it on day one
Photograph the furniture and any marks so you can show the condition later. Our first-week checklist explains how, and the viewing checklist lists what to look for before you sign.
This is general information for England, not legal advice. See how renting with us works.