Every vacant day costs a landlord money. A turnover, the period between one tenant moving out and the next moving in, is also your best chance to fix small problems before they become big ones. A clear checklist keeps the work organized, reduces vacancy time and helps you hand the next tenant a clean, safe home.
This checklist is organized in the order most landlords work through a turnover. Adjust it to fit your property and local laws.
Before the Tenant Moves Out
Confirm the Move-Out Date in Writing
When you receive a notice to vacate, confirm the date in writing. Check that the notice meets your lease requirements and local law.
Send Move-Out Instructions
A short letter or email reduces disputes over cleaning and the security deposit. Include:
- The expected cleaning standard (“broom clean” or a specific checklist)
- How to return keys, fobs and garage remotes
- Utility transfer instructions
- A request for a forwarding address for the deposit
- An invitation to a move-out walkthrough, if you offer one
Offer a Pre-Move-Out Inspection
Some states require landlords to offer a pre-move-out inspection so tenants can fix problems before leaving. Even where it is not required, it can reduce deposit disputes.
Start Marketing Early
If your lease allows it, start advertising and showing the unit before the current tenant leaves, with proper notice for entry as required by your lease and local law.
Move-Out Day
Do the Move-Out Inspection
Use the same checklist you used at move-in so you can compare conditions room by room. Take date-stamped photos and video. See our move-in and move-out inspection guide.
Collect Keys and Access Devices
Count every key, fob and remote against what was issued.
Read Meters and Transfer Utilities
Record meter readings and confirm which utilities switch to your name during the vacancy.
Security Deposit
Separate Wear and Tear From Damage
Normal wear and tear, such as light scuffs, minor carpet wear or faded paint, generally cannot be charged to the tenant. Damage beyond normal use, such as holes in walls, broken fixtures or pet damage, often can be, within the limits of your state’s law.
Meet Your State’s Deadline
States set deadlines for returning the deposit and providing an itemized list of deductions. Missing the deadline can carry penalties. See our guide to security deposit rules.
Cleaning
Deep Clean Checklist
- Kitchen: Inside and outside cabinets, appliances (including inside the oven, refrigerator and dishwasher), range hood filter, sink and faucet
- Bathrooms: Toilet, tub or shower, grout, vanity, mirror, exhaust fan cover
- All rooms: Baseboards, light switches, outlet covers, doors and frames, window sills and tracks, blinds, ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Floors: Vacuum and wash hard floors; clean or replace carpets as needed
- Closets and storage: Shelves, rods and floors
Many landlords hire a professional cleaner for consistency. Keep receipts if any costs will be deducted from the deposit.
Repairs and Refresh
Paint and Patch
Patch nail holes and touch up or repaint walls. Using a consistent paint color and sheen across units makes touch-ups faster and cheaper. Keep a record of the color names.
Flooring
Repair or replace damaged flooring. Durable options like luxury vinyl plank can reduce future turnover costs.
Fixtures and Hardware
- Replace burned-out bulbs
- Tighten or replace loose door handles, cabinet pulls and towel bars
- Repair or replace torn screens and broken blinds
- Fix dripping faucets and running toilets
Appliances
Test every appliance: stove burners and oven, refrigerator and freezer temperature, dishwasher, washer and dryer, microwave and garbage disposal.
Safety and Systems Check
This is the most important part of the checklist.
- Smoke alarms: Test every alarm and replace batteries or units as needed, following local code.
- Carbon monoxide alarms: Test and replace as needed where required.
- Fire extinguisher: Check the gauge and expiration if one is provided.
- Locks: Rekey or replace locks on all exterior doors.
- HVAC: Replace the filter and check that heating and cooling work.
- Water heater: Look for leaks or corrosion and check the temperature setting.
- Plumbing: Check under sinks for leaks and confirm drains flow freely.
- Electrical: Test outlets and GFCI outlets in kitchens, bathrooms and other required areas.
- Windows and doors: Confirm they open, close and lock properly.
- Stairs and railings: Check for loose railings or trip hazards.
Pest Inspection
Look for signs of pests and treat if necessary before the next tenant moves in.
Lead and Other Disclosures
If the home was built before 1978, federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet for new tenants. Check for any other state or local disclosure requirements.
Exterior and Common Areas
- Mow, weed and tidy landscaping
- Clean gutters if needed
- Check the exterior lights
- Clean the entryway, mailbox and any assigned parking or storage area
Prepare the Listing
Take New Photos
Photograph the unit after cleaning and repairs, in good daylight. Bright, clear photos help your listing stand out.
Set the Rent
Review comparable rentals and your costs before choosing a price. See our guide to setting the rent price.
Write the Listing
Describe the property, its features and the location. Include your rental criteria or a link to them. Avoid language that describes an ideal tenant rather than the property.
Move-In Day
- Sign the lease and collect the first month’s rent and security deposit by your preferred method.
- Complete a move-in inspection with the new tenant and have them sign it.
- Hand over keys and record which keys were issued.
- Share a welcome packet with emergency contacts, how to request maintenance, rent payment instructions, trash schedules and utility information.
Track Your Turnover
Keep a simple log of each turnover: dates, costs, vendors, time vacant and items replaced. Over time you will see where you can save time and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should a rental turnover take?
It depends on the condition of the unit and the work needed. Light turnovers may take only a few days, while major repairs take longer. Planning before move-out helps shorten the gap.
Should I rekey locks between every tenant?
Rekeying between tenants is a common and recommended security practice, and some jurisdictions require it. It is usually inexpensive compared with the risk of a former tenant keeping a key.
Can I charge the tenant for cleaning?
You can usually deduct reasonable cleaning costs if the unit was left dirtier than it was at move-in, beyond normal wear and tear, depending on your state’s law and your lease.
What is the most overlooked turnover item?
Safety items such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarm testing are easy to forget in the rush to clean and paint. Put them at the top of your list.
Should I repaint every turnover?
Not necessarily. Many landlords touch up between tenants and repaint fully every few turnovers, depending on condition.
The Bottom Line
A good turnover checklist protects your income, your property and your next tenant. Communicate clearly before move-out, document condition carefully, return deposits on time, clean thoroughly, handle safety checks first and get your listing ready early. Each turnover will get faster as your checklist improves.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check your state and local laws.
Editorial note: Rent Roostly is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.