Why Unfurnished Rentals Trump Furnished Rentals

5 Reasons to Stay Away from Furnished Rentals

As a landlord, choosing between offering furnished and unfurnished rentals is a critical decision. While furnished rentals may seem like an attractive option due to potentially higher rental income, there are compelling reasons why unfurnished rentals can be a better choice for landlords. Below, we'll explore the advantages of unfurnished rentals from a landlord's perspective.


Reduced Maintenance and Replacement Costs

One of the most significant benefits of renting out unfurnished properties is the reduction in maintenance and replacement costs. Furnished rentals often require frequent repairs and replacements, as tenants may not treat the provided furniture and appliances with the same care as they would their own belongings. In contrast, unfurnished rentals typically have fewer items that require maintenance and replacement, reducing the landlord's overall expenditure on upkeep.


Lower Tenant Turnover

Unfurnished rentals tend to attract tenants who are seeking a more extended stay, such as families or individuals looking for a stable living arrangement. Furnished rentals are often chosen by short-term renters, such as students or temporary workers, who are more likely to move frequently. With unfurnished rentals, landlords can enjoy lower tenant turnover rates, which means less time and money spent on advertising for new tenants, cleaning, and preparing the property for the next occupant.


Decreased Risk of Damage

Furnished rentals are more susceptible to damage, as tenants may not always treat the provided furniture and appliances with care. This can lead to costly repairs or replacements and potentially impact the property's condition. In unfurnished rentals, tenants are responsible for furnishing their living space, which usually results in a greater sense of ownership and responsibility. They are more likely to take better care of the property since they have personally invested in their furniture and belongings.


Broad Tenant Pool

Unfurnished rentals appeal to a broader range of tenants. While furnished rentals may cater to a specific niche, such as short-term or corporate renters, unfurnished properties can attract a wider tenant pool, including families, professionals, and long-term renters. A larger tenant pool increases the likelihood of finding a tenant who fits the property's requirements, leading to shorter vacancy periods and consistent rental income. This shortened vacancy period can be clearly seen in the graph above.


Personalization

Unfurnished rentals give tenants the freedom to personalize their living space with their furniture and decor. This often results in tenants forming a stronger emotional connection to the property, which can lead to longer tenancy durations. Furthermore, since tenants furnish the property themselves, they are more likely to stay longer, as the effort and cost associated with moving their belongings can act as a deterrent to relocating.


While the allure of furnished rentals may be tempting for landlords seeking higher rental income, unfurnished rentals offer several advantages from a landlord's perspective. These advantages include reduced maintenance costs, lower tenant turnover, decreased risk of damage, a broader tenant pool, and the opportunity for tenants to personalize their living space.


Ultimately, the choice between furnished and unfurnished rentals depends on various factors, including location, target tenant demographic, and the landlord's preferences. However, for landlords seeking a more stable and cost-effective rental property, unfurnished rentals often prove to be the smarter choice.

So... You Think You’re Gonna Walk Around Las Vegas? Think Again.

August 12, 2025
Ah, Las Vegas. The land of neon lights, endless buffets, and Elvis impersonators. You’ve just arrived, ready to strut down the Strip like a movie star. “We’ll just walk everywhere!” you say confidently. Let’s get one thing straight: Las Vegas is not a walkable city. It pretends to be. The hotels look close together on the map, but in reality? That “quick 5-minute walk” from your hotel to the next casino is actually a 30-minute expedition involving escalators, pedestrian bridges, confusing hotel lobbies, and at least one wrong turn through a souvenir shop. And don’t even get us started on the heat. If you're visiting anytime between May and...well, October, you’re basically walking on the surface of the sun. There's no shade, your flip-flops will melt to the sidewalk, and you’ll start questioning every life decision that led you to this moment. This city is designed for cars, not your poor aching feet.  Pro tips: - Use the monorail (yes, it exists!) - Embrace the rideshare life - Don’t trust "just a block away"—Vegas blocks are a lie. Sure, Las Vegas is magical—but it’s best explored with a good plan, some wheels, and the understanding that walking everywhere might just walk you straight into heat exhaustion.

The Writer’s Block: An Independent Bookstore in Downtown Las Vegas

August 4, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, The Writer’s Block is more than just a bookstore, a creative refuge in a city better known for neon lights and roulette wheels. Since opening its doors in 2014, this independent shop has built a reputation as a literary hub for locals and visitors alike. Located at 519 S. 6th Street in the artsy Fremont East district, The Writer’s Block blends the charm of a classic indie bookstore with a splash of Vegas flair. Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of new books spanning every genre, an espresso bar for your reading fuel, and perhaps most charming of all—a whimsical artificial bird sanctuary that hovers overhead. But The Writer’s Block isn’t just about browsing books. It's also a community builder. The shop regularly hosts readings, writing workshops, and book clubs, offering something for readers and writers of all ages. Housed within The Lucy—a nonprofit arts and culture center funded by the Rogers Foundation—the bookstore doubles as a place where creative minds can gather, collaborate, and grow. Whether you're picking up your next great read, sipping a latte while drafting a screenplay, or just popping in to say hi to the resident rabbit (yes, there’s a rabbit too), The Writer’s Block is a welcome literary escape in the middle of the desert. In a city full of distractions, it’s a reminder that quiet, thoughtful spaces still exist—and they matter. 

Step Into the Shadows: Exploring Las Vegas’ Mob Museum

July 28, 2025
Tucked away in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas, just steps from the flashing lights of Fremont Street, the Mob Museum offers something wildly different than the typical Vegas experience. Officially known as the National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, this one-of-a-kind destination invites you to step into the gritty, gripping world of the American mob—and the people who tried to stop it. Housed in a historic 1930s U.S. Post Office and Courthouse—where real mob hearings took place—the building itself sets the tone. This is no ordinary museum. It’s immersive, intense, and at times, jaw-dropping Your journey begins at the top, tracing the rise of organized crime through Prohibition. Real artifacts tell real stories, including the actual bullet-riddled brick wall from Chicago’s infamous St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. As you make your way down each floor, the exhibits dive deeper into how the mob operated, how Las Vegas became a haven for crime families, and how law enforcement fought back - with wiretaps, undercover agents, and televised trials that captivated the nation. One of the museum’s standout features is its fully restored courtroom, where the 1950s Kefauver Hearings were held - bringing mob activity into the public spotlight for the first time. It’s surreal to sit in the very space where America watched the mob be put on trial. Downstairs, visitors can try hands-on exhibits like a police training simulator, or step into a forensics lab to test their CSI skills. But the real hidden gem is in the basement: The Underground, a fully functioning speakeasy and distillery that serves up Prohibition-style cocktails and house-made moonshine. It's a delicious way to end your tour through history. Beyond the drama and intrigue, what makes the Mob Museum truly special is how educational and engaging it is. It’s not just about the mobsters—it’s about the impact organized crime had on American culture, law, and justice. Whether you're a true crime junkie, history buff, or just looking for something different to do in Vegas, the Mob Museum is a must-visit. It’s raw, real, and fascinating from start to finish. L ocation: 300 Stewart Ave, Las Vegas, NV Hours: Daily 9am–9pm Admission: Starts around $35; discounts available for Nevada residents, students, military & law enforcement Don’t Miss: The Underground speakeasy (open later hour s)