Apartment turnovers can make or break your rental schedule. When the process is organized, units get rented faster. When it is rushed or inconsistent, small issues turn into delays, complaints, and lost income.
This apartment turnover checklist is designed to keep things simple. It helps landlords and property managers move efficiently from move-out to move-in while protecting the unit’s condition.
Most well-run properties aim to complete a full turnover in 5 to 10 days. This guide shows you how to do that without cutting corners.
Pre-Turnover Preparation
☐ Confirm move-out date with the outgoing tenant
☐ Schedule turnover timeline and vendors
☐ Conduct move-out inspection (ideally with tenant present)
☐ Take detailed photos and videos of unit condition
☐ Collect all keys, garage remotes, fobs, and access devices
☐ Review security deposit deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear
☐ Change locks or rekey unit
☐ Prepare new keys for next tenant
General Unit-Wide Tasks
☐ Remove any left-behind personal items
☐ Document abandoned property and charge tenant if applicable
☐ Patch nail holes, dents, and wall damage
☐ Repaint walls and ceilings as needed
☐ Replace all light bulbs
☐ Replace smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector batteries
☐ Replace HVAC air filters
☐ Test HVAC system, vents, and thermostat
☐ Clean air vents and returns
☐ Inspect doors, windows, screens, and hardware
☐ Repair or tighten loose handles, hinges, and locks
☐ Schedule pest control if needed
☐ Perform final safety check
☐ Confirm smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits are functional
Entryway and Hallways
☐ Clean or replace door mats
☐ Wipe down doors and door frames
☐ Clean handles, locks, and peepholes
☐ Clean light fixtures and switches
☐ Sweep, vacuum, or mop floors
Kitchen
☐ Clean inside and outside of cabinets and drawers
☐ Clean shelves and remove liners if used
☐ Deep clean oven and racks
☐ Clean stovetop and burners
☐ Clean refrigerator inside and outside
☐ Defrost freezer if needed
☐ Clean refrigerator coils
☐ Clean microwave inside and outside
☐ Run dishwasher cleaning cycle
☐ Clean dishwasher filter
☐ Clean exhaust fan and hood
☐ Remove grease buildup
☐ Scrub sink and faucet
☐ Clean countertops and backsplash
☐ Mop floor and clean baseboards
Bathrooms
☐ Scrub toilet, sink, shower, and tub
☐ Remove soap scum, mold, and hard water stains
☐ Clean mirrors and medicine cabinets
☐ Clean vanity and storage areas
☐ Re-caulk or re-grout if needed
☐ Clean exhaust fan and vents
☐ Replace toilet seat if damaged
☐ Mop and disinfect floor
Bedrooms and Living Areas
☐ Dust shelves, closets, and built-ins
☐ Clean closet rods and shelving
☐ Clean windows, sills, and tracks
☐ Clean blinds or curtains
☐ Vacuum carpets or clean hardwood floors
☐ Wipe baseboards
☐ Clean doors and door frames
☐ Disinfect light switches and outlets
Flooring Throughout the Unit
☐ Schedule professional carpet cleaning or shampooing
☐ Sweep and mop hard floors
☐ Polish floors if required
☐ Repair damaged flooring, tiles, or transitions
Final Steps Before New Tenant
☐ Perform full deep clean of entire unit
☐ Consider professional cleaning for faster turnaround
☐ Make minor upgrades if needed (fixtures, hardware, switches)
☐ Stage unit for showings if applicable
☐ Conduct final walk-through inspection
☐ Take final photos for records
☐ Confirm utilities are transferred or active
☐ Prepare welcome packet for new tenant
Final Steps Before the New Tenant Moves In
Finish with a full deep clean of the entire unit. Many property managers use professional cleaning services at this stage to save time and maintain consistency.
Conduct a final walk-through and take updated photos for your records. Confirm utilities are active or transferred. Prepare a welcome packet with move-in instructions, contact information, and any community rules.
At this point, the unit should be fully rent-ready.
Why a Standardized Turnover Checklist Matters
Using a consistent apartment turnover checklist reduces mistakes, speeds up leasing, and protects your property value. It also makes it easier to delegate tasks to staff or vendors without confusion.
Keeping a digital checklist with photo documentation helps ensure nothing gets missed.
Need Help With Cleanouts or Disposal?
Some turnovers involve large cleanouts, old furniture, or leftover debris. Having a reliable disposal solution can save days of work.
West Coast Dumpsters of Sarasota helps property managers and landlords handle cleanouts efficiently so turnovers stay on schedule.
If you want help simplifying your next turnover, call 941-599-3133 and request a quote today.