The faster you turn a unit, the sooner a new resident can move in. However, a poorly turned unit can be harder to fill. If the space is messy and in need of repair, it can result in fewer eager renters or more renters asking for a lower price.
Your turnover process needs to balance speed with quality.
Fortunately, a good checklist can help. Use this property maintenance checklist to quickly and efficiently prepare a space for a new renter.
#1. Conduct a Safety Inspection
Use this time to conduct a safety inspection of the property. This includes replacing smoke alarm batteries, checking carbon monoxide monitors, and looking for potential sources of injury like rotting outdoor stairways or loose banisters. These small safety inspections can save lives and prevent injuries.
#2. Check for Pests
Throughout the inspection process, look for signs of ants, cockroaches, mice, termites, and other pests that your former residents might not have mentioned seeing. The sooner you catch these problems, the sooner you can prevent infestation. Even if you don’t see any signs of pests, it’s still a good idea to get an exterminator to inspect the unit, as an unoccupied space is much easier to fumigate.
#3. Schedule Maintenance on HVAC Systems
Call an HVAC contractor to look at the unit’s heating and cooling system. They may just need to do routine maintenance, or they may catch problems that should be addressed.
#4. Look for Signs of Moisture and Mold Growth
Check underneath sinks, in showers, and in basements for signs of water seepage. You should also look for cracks on the walls and ceiling or warped floors – all signs that water is seeping in and damaging the unit. This is another case where the repairs are much easier to do when the unit is empty, especially if major plumbing issues need to be addressed.
#5. Check Appliances and Outlets
Run the dishwasher, the washer, the dryer, the microwave, the oven, and all other appliances in the unit. Also check to see if all outlets are in working order. Make a note of any that don’t work and have an electrician take a look – it could be a sign of a more serious problem.
#6. Deep Clean the Unit
Even if your previous resident left the place clean, deep clean the unit yourself or hire a cleaning company that specializes in turns. A spotless unit typically leases faster.
#7. Update the Unit’s Exterior
First impressions are essential. Look at the exterior of the unit and identify ways to improve curb appeal. For example, you may need to improve your landscaping by cutting back a tree or trimming a few front bushes. If the home hasn’t been updated in a while, the building exterior may need a fresh coat of paint or pressure washing. These details make people excited about a unit even before stepping inside.
#8. Make Small Upgrades and Improvements
Your property maintenance checklist can also include a list of upgrades or small improvements that make the property more appealing to future residents. While the unit is empty, give the space a small facelift to make it feel fresh and new.
Paint interior walls
Deep clean carpets
Wax hardwood floors
Replace worn outlet faceplates and switches
Re-grout shower and bathroom tiles
Replace lights with new energy-efficient LED bulbs
#9. Document All Signs of Wear and Tear
Before your new residents move in, conduct an inspection of each aspect of the unit and make note of its condition. You can even take pictures for documentation. HOMEE’s Condition Report Checklist can help capture all the details. Taking detailed notes now will help you determine if damage was caused by the next residents of the unit.
Use This Property Maintenance Checklist for Every Turn
HOMEE’s property maintenance checklist can guide you through every property turn. Use it to manage the turn process quickly and efficiently. Then, get help with knocking items off your to-do list.
To make property turns and maintenance easier, EZ Repair customers can now access HOMEE’s network of thousands of handymen, plumbers, electricians, and HVAC techs. Click here to learn more.
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