Renting an Apartment

We are currently renting a small house through a friend (she's English). She's selling it soon so we will have to find a new place to live. I have just started looking at listings. Someone told me that many rental properties don't come with any kitchen appliances or even light fixtures in the apartment! Can this be right?!! Will we have to buy a stove and refridgerater when we move into an apartmnt? I just wasn't expecting this kind of expense and hope it's not true. Can someone tell me?