Skip to Content

Should You Provide Outdoor Furniture to Your Tenants?

A Cozy Patio Filled with Beautiful Outdoor FurnitureIf your Amelia Island rental property has a porch or patio, you may be thinking about buying furniture for it. To finish, a great outdoor space can add a lot to a rental home’s curb appeal. However, before you start buying all those stuff, there are quite a number of things to consider carefully. Every rental property is different, and so there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether outdoor furniture is the right choice for you and your tenants. Because of this, it’s crucial to consider all of the potential benefits and drawbacks before giving or supplying outdoor furniture to your tenants.

Probably the first thing to consider is how long patio furniture might last. Before spending money on anything for your rental home, you need to determine whether that investment will pay for itself. Part of that calculating is figuring out the life expectancy for any outdoor furniture you intend to buy. Unlike other elements of your investment property, there is no one number you can use.

The lifespan of your outdoor furniture varies widely depending on materials, construction, daily wear, and maintenance. Higher-quality furniture will probably last longer than cheaper items, but heavy use could shorten the life of any piece of outdoor furniture. What is more, if your tenant never covers or cares for the furniture, dirt, rust, or sun, rain, or snow exposure could quickly turn that beautiful outdoor chair or table into an eyesore.

One more crucial thing that you have to bear in mind before making the decision to buy outdoor furniture for your Amelia Island rental property is whether the backyard and your property’s location is suited for it. Making the effort to fill a small patio or porch with large furniture isn’t a good look, and neither is adding very small pieces to a large space. Either one might make your property’s outdoor spaces look uncomfortable, rather than inviting.

It’s also important to consider how your tenants use the space, your landscape design, and what types of outdoor furniture would best compliment the house. Certain materials may not last long in some climates, while others are an injury lawsuit waiting to happen. For example, metal furniture can get very hot in the sun and cause serious burns in warmer climates, especially during the summer.

Before deciding to buy outdoor furniture, it’s also a good idea to consider the question from your tenant’s perspective. Some tenants may already have some patio and other furniture, and may not want the furniture you provide. This may create a whole new list of issues, including where to store the unused furniture.

Then again, if you don’t provide outdoor furniture, your tenants might decide to “decorate” the porch or patio with furniture that is not designed for outdoor use. Putting a sofa or other unsuitable furniture outside of your rental home could quickly become a huge issue. Not only will the fabric invite bugs, rodents, and mold, it will also start to look and smell terrible in a short amount of time. In case you already have outdoor furniture prepared, you greatly reduce the chances that your tenant will add unsuitable furniture of their own.

Eventually, buying outdoor furniture for your Amelia Island rental property is a decision only you can create. However, with the right information and some careful research, you can more quickly decide which route would be sensible for your investment properties.

Looking for more advice, or even someone to manage your rental? Reach out to Real Property Management Sunstate! Contact us online or call us at 877-373-8404 today.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details