Answer By law4u team
In the case of a furnished apartment, landlords have the responsibility to provide essential furnishings that meet the standards specified in the rental agreement. The quality, condition, and maintenance of the furniture are usually outlined in the lease, and tenants are entitled to expect a livable space with the necessary furnishings. However, the level of furnishing varies, and it is important to have a clear understanding of what is provided.
Landlord’s Responsibilities in Providing Furnishings:
Providing Furnishings as Per the Lease Agreement:
A furnished apartment typically includes furniture such as beds, sofas, tables, chairs, and other household essentials. The landlord is responsible for ensuring that the apartment has the furnishings agreed upon in the rental agreement. If the lease specifically states that the apartment is furnished, the landlord must provide the furnishings listed in the contract.
Example:
If the lease specifies that the apartment is furnished with a bed, sofa, dining table, and chairs, the landlord is responsible for providing these items.
Condition of Furnishings:
The landlord is also responsible for ensuring that the furnishings are in good condition when the tenant moves in. This includes making sure that the furniture is not broken, damaged, or unfit for use. If any furnishings are damaged or broken, the landlord is obligated to either repair or replace them.
Example:
A tenant moves into a furnished apartment and notices that the sofa has a tear. The landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing the sofa, as it is part of the agreed furnishings.
Regular Maintenance and Repairs:
The landlord is responsible for maintaining the furnishings in good working order throughout the tenancy. If any item is damaged due to normal wear and tear, the landlord is typically responsible for repairing or replacing it. However, if the damage is caused by the tenant’s negligence or misuse, the tenant may be liable for the repair or replacement costs.
Example:
If a tenant accidentally breaks a chair, they may be required to pay for the replacement. However, if the chair becomes damaged over time due to regular use, it is the landlord's responsibility to fix or replace it.
Clarity in Lease Agreements:
It is important that the lease agreement clearly outlines which furnishings are provided and the condition they should be in. Both the landlord and tenant should conduct a move-in inspection to document the condition of the furnishings at the start of the lease to avoid misunderstandings later.
Example:
A move-in inspection report notes that all the furnishings (bed, sofa, dining table) are in good condition. This document helps avoid disputes about damages when the tenant moves out.
Expectations from Tenants:
Tenants can expect that the furnished apartment will have functional, clean, and safe furniture. They should also expect that the furnishings will be provided as described in the lease agreement.
Example:
A tenant expects that a furnished apartment will include a working refrigerator and microwave, as these are common furnishings in many rental agreements.
What Tenants Should Know:
Additional Costs for Furnishings:
In some cases, the rental price for a furnished apartment may be higher due to the inclusion of furniture. Tenants should be aware that the rent may reflect the cost of the furniture provided, and it should be mentioned in the lease.
Example:
A landlord may charge a higher rent for a fully furnished apartment compared to an unfurnished one because the tenant is receiving added amenities like furniture.
Damage to Furnishings:
If the furnishings are damaged by the tenant during their stay, they may be required to either repair or replace the damaged items, depending on the lease agreement. This may also result in the tenant losing part or all of their security deposit.
Example:
A tenant spills a drink on the sofa and stains it. Depending on the lease terms, the landlord may charge the tenant for cleaning or replacing the sofa.
Example:
Mr. Gupta rents a fully furnished apartment from his landlord, which includes a bed, sofa, coffee table, and a refrigerator. After moving in, he notices that the sofa has a minor tear. The landlord agrees to repair the sofa within a few days. However, Mr. Gupta accidentally breaks a chair, and the landlord charges him for its replacement, as it was damaged due to Mr. Gupta's negligence.
Conclusion:
Landlords are responsible for providing the furnishings listed in the rental agreement for a furnished apartment. They must ensure that the furnishings are in good condition when the tenant moves in and maintain them during the tenancy. The tenant is entitled to expect the furniture to be functional and safe. Any damages caused by the tenant may lead to them being responsible for repairs or replacement, as per the lease terms. It is crucial that the lease agreement clearly outlines the furnishings provided, their condition, and responsibilities related to maintenance and repairs.
