Property Manager · Michigan Ctr, MI · Member since 2016 · 661 posts · 581 votes
11mo
Hey Calvin — good question, and a really important one when you’re doing furnished or mid-term rentals. You don’t need anything complicated, but you do want to be specific so you’re protected if something gets damaged or goes missing.
Here’s a short clause you can drop right into your lease or addendum:
Furniture & Furnishings Clause:
The property is leased fully furnished. Tenant agrees to maintain all furnishings, furniture, décor, and household items in good condition and to use them only for their intended purpose. Tenant is responsible for any loss, damage, or breakage beyond normal wear and tear. Any damaged or missing items will be deducted from the security deposit at replacement cost. Tenant must immediately notify Landlord of any damage. Landlord reserves the right to inspect the property upon reasonable notice to assess the condition of the furnishings.
If you want to keep things clear and prevent disputes, include:
-An inventory checklist signed at move-in and move-out.
-Photos of major items (so there’s no debate later).
-A line in your lease that says “furnishings are included as-is.”
It’s not overkill — it’s just a small step that saves a lot of headaches down the road, especially with furnished leases where wear and tear can get subjective fast. Calvin, I hope this helps you a bit, I sent you DM on BP... it's one of the reasons I do this, I hope you can assist. Thank you in advance.
Attorney · Pensacola, FL · Member since 2023 · 178 posts · 106 votes
11mo
Consider using an addendum to address these issues.
Tenant acknowledges and agrees that (1) tenant assumes responsibility and liability for any injuries or damages that may occur resulting from or caused by the furniture or the use thereof; (2) Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury to persons or property caused, directly or consequentially, by the furniture or use or misuse thereof; (3) tenant assumes the risk of injury or damage by any unknown furniture conditions; (4) Tenant shall properly warn any persons on the premises of any actual or potential dangers relating to the furniture; (5) no person other than the tenants and authorized occupants and guests may use the furniture; (6) the furniture may not be transferred, leased, or sold and shall remain in the premises; (7) the permissive use of the furniture is not a right granted to the tenant and may be revoked or altered at any time by Landlord; (8) Tenant shall immediately notify Landlord in writing of any actual or suspected dangerous conditions that exist or may develop as a result of the use or misuse of the furniture; (9) tenant shall not use any furniture, nor allow the same to be used, in a manner not intended by the manufacturer and in a safe manner; (10) Landlord shall not be obligated to provide, maintain or supply any other furniture to the tenant; (11) tenant shall not make any modifications or alterations to the furniture; (12) tenant shall hold Landlord harmless and indemnify the Landlord for any injuries or damages suffered to tenant, his or her guests, family, invitees, occupants and any other person present with or without the permission of the tenant, arising out of the use or misuse of the furniture; (13) tenant shall properly keep and maintain the furniture and is responsible for any damage caused to the same, including but not limited to removing stains, cleaning, and repairing; and (14) if the Landlord sells the property, Landlord has the right to remove all furniture upon and in anticipation of closing of the property.