Short answer: yes, but outdoor furniture is a bit trickier to rent than a sofa or bed. When I was on a 12-month lease in a city apartment with a tiny balcony, I found a few paths.
First, general furniture rental companies sometimes carry patio pieces. They usually offer bundles—small bistro table, two chairs, maybe a lounger—on 3-, 6-, or 12-month terms. The catch is selection varies by city, and outdoor items may only be available seasonally. You’ll pay a monthly fee plus delivery and pickup. If you rent for exactly a year, ask whether the 12-month rate is cheaper than month-to-month.
Second, rent-to-own stores and some subscription furniture services may have outdoor sets. Rent-to-own can work if you might keep the furniture, but the total cost often ends up much higher than buying. Subscription services are convenient and design-forward, but outdoor inventory is hit or miss. Read the fine print about weather damage, fading, rust, and cleaning fees. Outdoor furniture is exposed to rain, sun, and pollen, so rental companies may charge a damage waiver or require you to store cushions inside.
Third, local event and party rental companies can sometimes do long-term rentals. They have folding chairs, bistro tables, and patio umbrellas. But they’re built for weekend events, not a full year. A 12-month rental may be possible, but the per-month price can be high, and the style may look more “event” than “home.” Still, for a couple of chairs and a small table, it’s worth calling.
What about your building? Some urban apartments have shared rooftop or courtyard furniture. Check with your landlord or management. If you’re allowed to use it, that may cover your outdoor needs for free. Also ask if the previous tenant left a patio set or if there’s a building swap group. In dense cities, people give away or sell small outdoor pieces all the time.
If rental quotes come back expensive, compare them with buying used and reselling. I bought a used three-piece bistro set for $120, used it for a year, and sold it for $70. Total cost: $50. Renting a similar set would have been maybe $30–$60 per month plus delivery. That math rarely favors renting unless you want zero hassle or your lease is shorter than you think. Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, and neighborhood Buy Nothing groups are good for this.
The best choice depends on your priorities. If you want a furnished balcony in a week, don’t want to deal with resale, and don’t mind paying for convenience, rental is a real option. If you’re price-sensitive and willing to spend a little time, buy used and resell. If you only need two chairs and a tiny table, a rental might not even be worth the delivery fee. For a one-year apartment stay, I’d get quotes from at least two furniture rental companies, one rent-to-own store, and one local event rental company. Then compare the all-in cost: monthly fee, delivery, pickup, insurance, cleaning, and any weather-related charges. That’s the only way to know if renting urban outdoor furniture makes sense for your exact balcony and budget.