Landlords in the UK can make small changes to rooms that save money and attract good student tenants. This short guide shows easy, practical furniture choices that are cheap, sturdy, and simple to maintain. You will learn about multi-use pieces, smart storage, and low-cost bedding that keep rooms tidy and safe. Each idea is written plainly so any landlord can act without fuss. If you list furnished rooms on our student accommodation listing, you can show clear photos and attract students who want ready-to-live spaces. Listing saves time and means tenants move in quickly with less back and forth. These tips suit small houses, studios and shared homes, and they help you keep deposit claims low and turnover fast. Read on to find choices that bring better rent returns and fewer calls late at night. Use them to reduce costs and keep tenants happy consistently.
What furniture attracts students?
As a landlord, you want rooms that rent fast and do not break easily. Choosing the right furniture makes students notice your listing and call you sooner. Pick pieces that fit small rooms and look tidy in photos.
Choose compact desks that fold when not in use.
Use a simple bedframe with underbed storage drawers.
Offer a small sofa or daybed for study and rest.
Fit a clear wardrobe or rail that looks tidy on move-in.
Add a bedside table with a shelf for study lamps and phones.
Choosing furniture that students value means faster leases and fewer vacant days. Simple, neat pieces photograph well and show tidy living in adverts. Landlords who choose durable and compact products feel less need for repairs and more satisfaction from the tenants. Little things like storage under the bed or a foldable desk have a great effect. Use neutral colours, thus making the rooms acceptable for many people's preferences and, at the same time, not requiring repainting between leases. Professional and cost-effective appearance of your property through clean lines and easy-to-maintain materials without a considerable expense. These decisions allow you to prepare the room for the next tenant in a fast and inexpensive manner, which keeps income stable and stress low.
How to keep furniture durable?
Durable furniture cuts repair bills and keeps students content. Choose materials that stand up to years of use in houses full of students. Metal frames, solid wood tops and stain-resistant fabrics last longer and need fewer replacements.
Pick metal bed frames or solid ply tops rather than thin particle board.
Choose chairs with metal legs and replaceable seats.
Buy fabric that washes or vinyl that wipes clean easily.
Avoid glued joints and prefer screwed connections for easy repair.
Fit felt pads on feet to stop wobbles and floor damage.
To keep furniture durable, plan for wear from day one. Buy items with replaceable parts and simple fittings that a handyman can fix quickly. Keep a small stock of spare screws, handles and light bulbs to avoid delays. Use protective pads under chairs and table legs to stop floor damage and wobbles. Train cleaners to report loose parts early. Note warranties and register items when possible. A little upfront care lowers emergency fixes and keeps tenants happy while you preserve the value of your furnishings and reduce long-term costs on each let, boosting your reputation.
How to protect your deposit?
Protecting deposits is about clear inventory and robust furnishings. When tenants know what is expected, they care more. Use simple inventories with photos and date notes that show the condition at move-in and help avoid disputes later.
Create a short-dated inventory with photos each time a new tenant arrives.
Keep receipts for any new furniture and note the purchase date.
Use washable covers on sofas and mattress protectors for beds.
Do short inspections and fix small damage before it grows.
Keep a log of repairs and replacements for tenancy records.
Good deposit protection starts before key exchange and continues through to checkout. Use clear, dated photos and a short inventory signed by the tenant on arrival. Keep receipts for any new furniture and note the age and faults honestly. Use washable covers and floor protectors to prevent common damage. Schedule a short inspection mid tenancy to catch small issues early and repair them. At checkout, compare photos side by side and be ready to explain deductions calmly with evidence. These steps make deposit returns fair, speed up dispute resolution and keep landlord-tenant relations steady and professional.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to furnish every room fully?
A: No. Furnish the essentials first: bed, desk, chair and storage. Extras can be added over time or left optional to suit the budget.
Q: Is second-hand furniture safe for tenants?
A: Yes, if you check the condition, clean well and repair any weak joints. A fresh coat of paint and new handles help the appearance.
Q: How often should I inspect furniture?
A: A short check once per term or when a tenant reports an issue keeps small faults from becoming expensive repairs.
Q: Can I charge more for furnished rooms?
A: Typically, yes. Furnished rooms that are tidy and ready to live in attract students willing to pay a fair premium for convenience.
Q: What small items should I keep spare?
A: Keep spare screws, light bulbs, simple handles and a basic toolkit. These help you fix things quickly and keep tenants happy.
Conclusion
In the UK, if you are a landlord, you can increase your rents and minimise your voids just by selecting low-cost, practical furniture. Give priority to the strong and simple items that are useful, easy to clean and replaceable. Keep clear inventories, photos and simple records so deposit matters go smoothly. Encourage tenants to look after items by leaving clear notes and offering quick, practical fixes. When you list rooms on StudentTenant.com, you reach students who prefer furnished lets and want clear move-in standards. That helps you fill rooms faster and with fewer problems. Use these plain tips, keep a small stock of spare parts and book simple checks between tenancies to keep your income steady and reputation good. Stay practical and avoid costly trends. Share clear house rules and photos so tenants know expectations. A small upfront spend saves time and stress. Try one change next month and watch tenant care improve and bookings rise quickly.