Property Turnover and Make-Ready Process

When one tenant moves out and another moves in, there’s a lot happening behind the scenes. This article explains how we handle move-out, assess condition, coordinate repairs, and get your property ready for the next resident.

Smooth turnover minimizes vacancy while protecting you from rushing a poorly prepared unit back on the market. A clean, well-presented property attracts better tenants faster.

1. Notice to Vacate Received

   1. The current tenant provides notice per their lease.

   2. We confirm the move-out date and send them the move-out instructions.

2. Pre-Planning

   1. We review the property’s history and any known issues.

   2. We tentatively plan for cleaning, maintenance, or upgrades based on age and prior condition.

3. Move-Out Inspection

   1. After the tenant vacates, we conduct a detailed inspection, documenting:

      1. Normal wear-and-tear, and

      2. Damage or neglect beyond normal wear.

   2. We take photos and notes to support security deposit decisions and needed work.

4. Security Deposit Accounting

   1. We prepare a security deposit itemization for the former tenant within legal timelines.

   2. Eligible costs (beyond normal wear-and-tear) may be applied to the deposit; remaining balances are billed or refunded per law and lease.

5. Make-Ready Plan

   1. Based on the inspection, we create a make-ready scope of work, which may include:

      1. Cleaning, carpet cleaning, paint touch-ups, or full repaints,

      2. Minor repairs (holes, broken blinds, etc.),

      3. Safety items (smoke/CO alarms, locks),

      4. Optional upgrades if you choose (hardware, lighting, etc.).

   2. For larger items, we may present quotes and seek your approval before proceeding.

6. Scheduling and Completion

   1. We coordinate cleaners, handy people, and other vendors in a logical sequence.

   2. We aim to complete make-ready work as quickly as quality allows, to reduce downtime.

7. Final Quality Check

   Once work is completed, we perform a final walk-through and verify:

   1. Functionality of major systems,

   2. Cleanliness,

   3. Safety and compliance items.

8. Re-Listing the Property

   1. We update photos if the condition has meaningfully changed.

   2. We re-list the property and follow our leasing process to place a new tenant.

• Approve larger repairs or upgrades and any associated owner contributions.

• Decide whether to invest in improvements that can justify higher rent or better tenant demand.

• Review your Owner Statements to see how turnover expenses appear.

• How We Handle Maintenance – How we manage vendors and routine repairs.

• How We Screen Tenants – How we select the next resident.

• Our Leasing Process: Marketing and Tenant Placement – From listing to signed lease.