Furnished or Unfurnished? Letting in Wales Under the Renting Homes Act
Since 1 December 2022, lettings in Wales have worked under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016. Tenancies became “occupation contracts”, tenants became “contract-holders”, and landlords took on clear duties to keep homes fit for human habitation. So where does furniture fit in?
What the Act means for every let, furnished or not
- Written statement: contract-holders must receive a written statement of the contract within 14 days of moving in.
- Smoke alarms: working, mains-powered and interlinked smoke alarms are needed on every storey.
- Carbon monoxide alarms: one is needed in any room with a gas, oil or solid fuel appliance.
- Electrical safety: an electrical inspection (EICR) is needed at least every five years, with a copy given to the contract-holder within 14 days.
What changes if you furnish
- Everything you provide must meet the furniture fire safety rules.
- List every item in your inventory, with photos and its condition.
- Make clear in the contract and inventory who repairs or replaces furniture if it breaks through normal wear and tear.
Who rents furnished in Cardiff?
- Students in Cathays, Roath and around the universities. They expect furnished homes almost without exception.
- Young professionals and sharers moving for work
- Contractors and corporate lets on short-to-medium stays
- HMO tenants, who expect rooms ready to live in
Families on long tenancies are more likely to want unfurnished homes so they can bring their own furniture.
Pros and cons
| Furnished | Unfurnished | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | Students, sharers, professionals, corporate lets | Families, long-term tenants |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Speed to let | Often faster in student and city-centre markets | Can be slower in those markets |
| Ongoing work | Inventory checks and replacements | Less |
| Fire safety checks | Required for everything you supply | Only for anything you leave in |
The middle way: part-furnished
Many landlords provide the expensive essentials, such as beds, a wardrobe, a sofa and a dining table, and let tenants add the rest. It widens your audience without fully committing either way.
This article is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the latest position with Rent Smart Wales, your local council or a qualified adviser before acting.
Need a rental furnished quickly? uBee supplies landlord furniture packages across Cardiff and South Wales, delivered and assembled on site. See our landlord packages or call 029 2294 0071.