How hard to rent funished house in suburb? (tenants, renters, inspections)

[Berteau]

I have a 2,200 sq ft furnished house in a nice upper middle-class suburb (Fishers,IN outside Indianapolis). Its possible I could relocate for work in the future, but would plan to move back even if it means getting a new job. I was wondering in general how hard or easy it is to rent out furnished homes like mine and if its a lot of trouble?

[adjusterjack]

If you rent furnished you are more likely to get tenants who can't afford their own furniture and will have no respect for yours. Especially when pets are involved. And being an absentee landlord, you'll have no way of knowing what's happening until it's too late.

[petsandgardens]

You could see if there's a company with excellent vetting process or a very trusted friend, relative, neighbor willing to be paid to oversee it, regular inspections noted in the lease, etc. You could stipulate number of people to occupy your home; can one stipulate, say, ages or no college students? Not sure about any new or local things govts might consider prejudicial. The renters should not sub-sublet. It can be a big hassle but if you feel it meets your needs you could give it a try. Do remove things that it would upset you if you never saw them again or if they were damaged.

That said, I heard from a few friends who had to do this 6-12 months and had fine experiences. Even plants were watered and grass mowed.

[Okey Dokie]

I’d put all your household goods in a storage unit and rent it unfurnished.

[luv4horses]

Sometimes professors who go away for a year of sabbatical rent out their house furnished. They usually choose responsible graduate students. No problem but everyone knows it’s for an exact amount of time.

[oregonwoodsmoke]

You can get good tenants if you screen carefully, but they will be short term. That means frequent turn overs.

If that is your own personal furniture, expect to have it scratched, trashed, dented, broken, or even stolen.


If you are not paying attention, someone is very likely to rent it from you and then turn around and use it as an Air BNB.


Unless you don't care at all about your furniture or possessions, it would be easier to put your stuff into storage, or sell it all, and rent the house out empty. Screen carefully and hope to get someone who will stay for a couple of years.


A nice house in an upper class neighborhood can attract decent tenants with good income., it also attracts deadbeats and losers who dream of living in a nice house in a nice neighborhood, but can't afford it and can't take care of it. So screen very carefully before you select a tenant.


(where are you moving that you won't need any furniture when you get there?)