Between rental occupancies, landlords have a lot of tasks to take care of to ensure that their property is ready for the next tenant. This includes cleaning and repairing the property, performing necessary maintenance, advertising the property, screening potential tenants, negotiating the lease terms, and collecting the security deposit and first month’s rent. This rental property turnover checklist provides an overview of the key tasks landlords should do between rental occupancies to ensure a smooth transition and prepare for the next tenancy.
- Clean the property:
This includes a thorough cleaning of the floors, windows, and surfaces to ensure that the property is in a clean and presentable condition for the new tenant. - Repair any damage:
This includes fixing any holes in the walls, broken fixtures, or other damage that may have occurred during the previous tenancy. - Perform any necessary maintenance:
This includes changing the air filters, cleaning the gutters, and checking the plumbing and electrical systems to ensure they are in good working order. - Replace any worn or damaged items
This may include old carpeting, outdated appliances, or worn-out furniture. - Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Landlords should test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly, and replace the batteries if needed. - Inspect the property for pests
Landlords should look for signs of pests, such as droppings or gnaw marks, and take steps to prevent or treat any infestations. - Update the rental listing
Landlords should update the photos and description of the property on their rental listing, to attract potential tenants. - Advertise the property
Landlords should use online platforms and other marketing channels to advertise the property to potential tenants. - Screen potential tenants: Landlords should conduct background checks, including checking the credit, income, and rental history of potential tenants.
- Negotiate the lease terms: Landlords should negotiate the lease terms, including the rent, security deposit, and pet policies.
- Collect the security deposit and first month’s rent: Landlords should collect the security deposit and first month’s rent from the new tenant before they move in.
- Conduct a move-in inspection: Landlords should conduct a move-in inspection with the new tenant, and document the condition of the property at the start of the tenancy. This will provide a reference point for determining any deductions from the security deposit at the end of the tenancy.
Following this rental property turnover checklist will ensure that your property is well cared for and ready to be leased again.