The gentrification of Harlem has led to unaffordable housing, much like that facing much of America today.
Although rehabilitation of the community was needed, it was taken to the opposite extreme. The commercialism that has permeated the renovations and improvements in the area has outpaced the benefit to the community.
If you have been renting homes and apartments in Harlem for some time, you have a unique understanding of how these changes are affecting tenants in the community. If you want to be part of the solution, you should be doing everything you can to provide fair and affordable housing for all.
While this may seem like an ideal that is out of reach, it is actually very attainable. If enough landlords in the area band together to make sure that everyone has a place to call home, the community will begin to rebuild.
One of the things that many landlords fail to consider is furniture. Being willing to rent to someone with a less than stellar credit or rental history is great, but some of the people needing such housing have lost most of their belongings as well. It is good to have a roof, but you also need a place to rest your head.
While it may not be cost-effective to fully furnish your rentals, it can give you and the community a big advantage. The more furnishings you can provide, the more likely your tenants will be able to afford their rent since they won’t be having to spend their money on furniture and household goods.
What furnishings to include
If you do decide to furnish your rentals, there are some minimum pieces you should include. Each bedroom should have a bed. If there is a master bedroom and one or two smaller bedrooms, you might put a twin bed in the smallest bedroom. The master bedroom should have at least a queen-sized bed, as well as a dresser or chest of drawers and at least one nightstand.
You can choose beds online that are both affordable and durable, single or in bed sets. Ordering online gets you the best prices, and often you can get discounts for purchasing an entire bedroom set. If you want to get just an affordable bed, this is also possible. You may even be able to qualify for free shipping.
In other rooms of the home, you might want to include an affordable sofa, a television stand, or a small table and chairs. Versatile pieces like sectionals or modular sofas are perfect for adapting to different households. You can also look into affordable dining sets and living room sets, as you can spend less and get more when you buy the entire furniture set. Ordering online also lets you save money while still getting furnishings that are durable enough to last through more than one tenant.
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