What Should Airbnb Owners Do With Furniture When Switching to Long-Term Rentals?

As more investors shift away from short-term rentals and Airbnb-style properties, one of the most common questions is what to do with the existing furniture.

The decision matters more than most owners expect. It can impact your days on market, tenant quality, and even the rent you ultimately achieve.

There are three primary options.

The first option is to remove the furniture entirely. In most long-term rental markets, including areas like Polk County, Davenport, and Haines City, the majority of tenants prefer unfurnished homes. In many cases, this is the cleanest and most straightforward approach.

However, removing the furniture is a commitment. If the home does not lease at your expected price, you’ve already incurred the cost and effort of removal and limited your ability to pivot back to a short-term rental strategy.

The second option is to leave the property furnished. While this may seem like a value add, it often has the opposite effect. Furnished long-term rentals typically attract a smaller pool of applicants, may take longer to lease, and in some cases achieve lower rent. Many tenants are not seeking furnished homes and may accept the furniture rather than pay a premium for it.

Furniture condition also plays a role. If the items are outdated or worn, they can negatively impact the showing experience. On the other hand, in a high-end or well-designed property, tenants may be more flexible.

The third option, and the approach we recommend whenever possible, is to make the furniture optional.

By leaving the furniture in place for marketing and showings, the property presents well and photographs better. At the same time, you maintain flexibility. If a tenant prefers a furnished home, you avoid the cost and effort of removal. If they prefer it unfurnished, you can remove the items after securing an approved applicant, reducing your risk.

This approach allows you to keep your listing competitive while preserving optionality, which is especially important in a shifting rental market.

If you’re converting a short-term rental into a long-term investment, structuring the property correctly from the start can make a significant difference in how quickly it leases and the type of tenant you attract.

You can watch the full video below for a breakdown of each option and how to decide what’s best for your specific property.