What CORT Furniture Rental Is
CORT Furniture Rental is a national furniture rental company that lets you rent pieces or entire room sets for a set monthly fee instead of buying them. You pick items from their catalog, have them delivered and set up in your home or office, and return them when you no longer need them. CORT handles pickup at no extra charge when your rental period ends.
The company operates through a network of local showrooms and a website where you can browse available inventory. Rental terms typically run month-to-month, though you can commit to longer periods if you want a lower monthly rate. Unlike buying, you have no ownership stake and no responsibility for major repairs — CORT covers those as part of the rental agreement.
Key Takeaways
- CORT charges a monthly rental fee per item or room set, with discounts available for longer rental commitments.
- You can rent individual pieces like a sofa or dining table, or bundle entire rooms at a package price.
- Delivery, setup, and pickup are included in the rental cost; you pay nothing extra when you return items.
- CORT covers maintenance and repairs during your rental period, but you are responsible for normal wear and accidental damage charges if they exceed what the company considers reasonable.
- Month-to-month rentals cost more per month than annual or multi-year commitments, so longer terms save money if you know how long you need the furniture.
How Monthly Rental Pricing Works
CORT's pricing varies by item, location, and rental length. A single sofa might rent for $50 to $150 per month depending on the style and your region; a dining table and chairs could run $80 to $200 monthly. The company does not publish a fixed price list online — you need to check your local showroom or call to get quotes for specific pieces.
Longer commitments lower the monthly cost. A 12-month rental typically costs 30 to 40 percent less per month than a month-to-month agreement for the same item. A 3-year rental drops the monthly rate even further. If you are unsure how long you will need furniture, month-to-month is more expensive but gives you flexibility to stop without penalty.
Delivery and setup fees are built into the rental price — you do not pay separately to have items brought to your home. Pickup when you return the furniture is also free. Sales tax applies to the rental charge in most states.
What Happens When You Rent
Start by visiting a CORT showroom in your area or browsing their website to see what is available. You can rent a single chair or an entire living room. Once you decide what you want, you provide your delivery address and choose your rental term — month-to-month, 6 months, 12 months, or longer.
CORT will schedule a delivery window, usually within one to two weeks. Delivery drivers bring the furniture into your home and assemble it if needed. You inspect the items when they arrive and note any existing damage on the delivery paperwork. This step matters because CORT will compare the furniture's condition when you return it to what was documented on arrival.
During your rental, you use the furniture normally. CORT covers repairs for manufacturing defects and normal wear. If you damage a piece beyond normal use — a large stain, a broken leg, a torn seam — CORT may charge you a damage fee. The company's policy allows for minor scuffs and marks without charge, but significant damage can result in a bill ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the item and the damage.
When your rental ends, you contact CORT to schedule a pickup. Drivers come to your home, remove the furniture, and take it back to the warehouse. You owe nothing more if the items are in acceptable condition.
Who Uses CORT and Why
CORT serves several types of renters. Corporate clients use it to furnish temporary offices or employee housing during relocations. Individuals rent furniture while they are between homes, waiting for a house purchase to close, or living in a short-term lease. Students and young professionals often rent to avoid the cost and hassle of buying and moving furniture multiple times.
People also rent from CORT when they want to test a style or layout before committing to a purchase. Renting a sofa for three months costs less than buying one you might not like, and you can return it without loss. Homeowners staging a house for sale sometimes rent high-end pieces to show the space's potential without investing in furniture they will not keep.
Damage Charges and What They Cover
CORT's damage policy distinguishes between normal wear and damage you are responsible for. Normal wear includes minor scratches, fading from sunlight, and small stains that do not affect the item's use. You pay nothing for these.
You are charged for damage that goes beyond normal use: large stains or spills, broken frames or legs, torn upholstery, missing cushions, or damage from pets or children that the company deems excessive. Damage charges vary widely. A small tear in fabric might cost $50 to $100 to repair; a broken chair leg could be $150 to $300; a severely stained sofa might be charged at a percentage of the item's replacement value.
The company inspects furniture when you return it and sends you an invoice if they find damage beyond normal wear. You have the right to dispute the charge if you believe it is unfair. Keep your delivery paperwork, which documents the item's condition when it arrived, so you can reference it if a dispute arises.
Comparing CORT to Other Rental Companies
CORT is the largest furniture rental company in the United States, with showrooms in most major cities. Other national options include Aaron's, Rent-A-Center, and Wayfair's rental service, though these vary in inventory and pricing. Local furniture rental shops may also operate in your area.
CORT generally offers a wider selection of styles and higher-end pieces than competitors like Aaron's or Rent-A-Center, which focus more on budget options. CORT's month-to-month rates are higher, but the quality and design variety tend to be better. If you need basic, affordable furniture for a short time, a local rental shop or Rent-A-Center might be cheaper. If you want designer or mid-range pieces and do not mind paying more for quality, CORT is usually the better choice.
Check what is available in your area before deciding. Inventory varies by location, and a piece you want from CORT's website might not be in stock at your local showroom.
When Renting Makes Sense and When It Does Not
Renting furniture makes sense if you are moving to a new city for a job that might not be permanent, living in a rental home for one to three years, or furnishing a temporary office. The flexibility to return items without selling them or moving them again saves time and money compared to buying and reselling.
Renting is less practical if you plan to stay in one place for five or more years. Over that time, the total rental payments will exceed the cost of buying comparable furniture outright. If you have pets or young children and worry about damage charges, buying furniture you do not mind damaging might be cheaper than renting and paying repair fees.
Renting also works well if you want to try a style or layout before committing. A three-month rental lets you live with a sofa or dining set and decide whether you like it enough to buy something similar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy furniture I am renting from CORT?
Yes. CORT offers a purchase option on most rental items. The amount you have already paid in rent is usually credited toward the purchase price. Contact your local showroom or ask your rental representative for the buyout price on a specific item.
What if I need to end my rental early?
You can return rented furniture at any time, but early termination fees explore if you have committed to a longer rental term. A 12-month rental that you return after 6 months typically incurs a penalty equal to a portion of the remaining rent. Month-to-month rentals have no early termination fee — you can return items whenever you want.
Does CORT rent to businesses?
Yes. CORT has a separate business division that handles corporate rentals for offices, temporary housing, and event furnishings. Business accounts often receive volume discounts and flexible terms. Contact CORT's business sales team or visit a showroom to discuss corporate rental options.
What if furniture arrives damaged?
Inspect all items when they are delivered and note any damage on the delivery paperwork before the driver leaves. Take photos if possible. Report damage to CORT when ready. If the damage is significant, CORT will replace the item at no charge. Damage documented on arrival does not count against you when you return the furniture.
How do I find a CORT showroom near me?
Visit CORT's website and use their showroom locator tool, or search "CORT Furniture Rental near me" online. You can also call their customer service line to find the nearest location and get pricing information for specific items in your area.