The complete list of mandatory equipment (your guide)
2 minutes
Furnished rentals continue to strongly attract tenants, especially in large cities where professional mobility is high. For owners, this is a particularly interesting operating model: advantageous taxation, often higher rents, and more dynamic rotation.
But beware: a property can only be qualified as "furnished" if it complies with a specific list of mandatory equipment. Simply setting up a few pieces of furniture is not enough. The tenant must be able to move in immediately and live there normally from day one.
Here is the complete guide to renting out furnished properties in full compliance.
What does the law say about mandatory equipment in furnished rentals?
The official list of equipment is set by the ALUR law of March 24, 2014, and specified by the decree of July 31, 2015.
This obligation only applies to properties rented as a primary residence.
To be considered furnished, the accommodation must contain all the elements necessary for daily life.
Essential furniture in a furnished rental
The tenant must be able to sleep, eat, and store their belongings without having to bring their own furniture.
Basic furniture
The accommodation must imperatively include:
Bedding (mattress + bed frame)
A blanket or duvet
A table
Chairs
Storage spaces (cupboards, shelves, chest of drawers...)
Each room must be equipped according to its use.
An empty bedroom can lead to the reclassification of the lease as an unfurnished rental.
Mandatory household appliances
A furnished property must also allow the tenant to store and prepare their meals.
The law requires:
Hobs/cooktops
A traditional oven or a microwave oven
A refrigerator
A freezer or freezer compartment
💡 In high-end or family properties, it is recommended to install a refrigerator with a separate freezer.
Other mandatory equipment
In addition to basic furniture and appliances, the regulations also provide for:
Lighting fixtures
Shutters or blackout curtains in bedrooms
Sufficient crockery (plates, glasses, cutlery...)
Kitchen utensils
Housekeeping equipment (broom, mop, vacuum cleaner if necessary)
The tenant must be able to live in the property without purchasing additional basic equipment.
Must the equipment be new?
The law does not require the furniture or appliances to be new.
On the other hand:
They must be in good working order
They must function correctly
They must be maintained in good condition throughout the duration of the lease
Dilapidated or out-of-service equipment can engage your liability.
Is household linen mandatory?
No.
Sheets, towels, tea towels, and bath towels are not included in the legal list of mandatory equipment.
However, for seasonal or short-term rentals, providing them significantly improves the attractiveness of the property.
Adapting the equipment to the type of accommodation
The legal list constitutes a minimum.
The amount of equipment must be consistent with:
The surface area
The number of bedrooms
The guest capacity
Example: a 2-bedroom apartment (T3) must include two equipped beds (mattress + duvet).
An inconsistency can lead to a reclassification as an unfurnished rental, with tax and legal consequences.
Comfort equipment: a strategic lever
Beyond legal obligations, a well-equipped property:
Rents out faster
Attracts more qualified profiles
Helps justify a higher rent
Decorative furniture
Without cluttering the space, you can integrate:
A sofa
A coffee table
A TV stand
Bedside tables
A desk
Add a few simple decorative elements: rugs, cushions, plants, wall frames.
The goal: to create a neutral, elegant, and warm atmosphere.
Comfort appliances
Some additional equipment really makes the tenant's life easier:
Washing machine
Dishwasher
Coffee machine
Kettle
Toaster
Television
Iron
Hairdryer
Expectations differ between a student studio and a high-end family apartment.
Consistent equipment improves the profitability of the property.
The inventory: a mandatory step in furnished rentals
The inventory is annexed to the lease and is an integral part of the move-in inventory of fixtures.
It protects both the landlord and the tenant.
Upon moving in
You must:
List all present equipment
Specify their condition
Have the tenant sign the document
It is recommended to distinguish between:
Mandatory equipment
Optional equipment
Download our inventory template by clicking here.
Upon the tenant's departure
A comparison is made with the initial inventory.
In case of damage or missing equipment:
The replacement cost can be deducted from the security deposit
Provided that the damage is not related to normal wear and tear
A precise inventory prevents the majority of disputes.
Who is responsible in the event of a breakdown?
Responsibility depends on the source of the problem.
Landlord's obligations
You must replace or repair equipment if the breakdown results from:
Wear and tear / obsolescence
An initial defect
A case of force majeure
Example: a refrigerator that stops working due to its age.
Tenant's responsibility
The tenant must:
Properly maintain the equipment
Promptly report any breakdown
In case of damage related to obvious negligence, the repair is their responsibility.
In case of disagreement
An expert can be appointed to determine the cause of the damage.
Failing an amicable agreement, the dispute can be brought before the judge.
Delegate the management of your furnished rental
Do you want to maximize the profitability of your apartment quickly while securing your rental income?
Our proactive team supports you in the complete management of your furnished property, with a rigorous approach to enhance your assets with a solid clientele that cares about your property.
