Tenant Turnover Checklist
A practical turnover checklist for preparing rental properties between occupants or guests.
This resource is designed for serious property decisions: repair planning, maintenance review, owner communication, turnover preparation, inspection follow-up, and investment due diligence.
How to Use This Resource
- Walk the property slowly and document each issue with photos where helpful.
- Separate safety, water intrusion, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, structural, and access issues from cosmetic improvements.
- Assign each item a priority: urgent, pre-occupancy, 30-day, 90-day, annual, or future improvement.
- Use the notes area to capture vendor questions, owner decisions, budget assumptions, and follow-up actions.
- For unclear conditions, request review from the appropriate licensed professional or qualified trade partner.
Move-Out Documentation
- Photograph the full property before removing items or beginning work.
- Document walls, flooring, doors, cabinets, appliances, bathrooms, exterior areas, lawn, pool, garage, and storage areas.
- Record abandoned items, trash, damage, missing fixtures, keys/remotes, odor, pests, and utility status.
- Separate tenant damage from normal wear where applicable and preserve photos for owner records.
Repair & Maintenance Review
- Inspect locks, doors, windows, screens, blinds, smoke detectors, CO detectors, GFCI outlets, lights, fans, and trip hazards.
- Check plumbing fixtures, shutoffs, toilets, drains, water heater, leaks, caulking, and signs of moisture damage.
- Check HVAC operation, filter size, thermostat, condensate line, visible vents, and service needs.
- Review appliances, garbage disposal, laundry connections, cabinets, countertops, flooring, drywall, paint, trim, and hardware.
- Inspect exterior, landscaping, irrigation, pool equipment, trash area, mailbox, garage, and access devices.
Cleaning & Readiness
- Complete full interior clean including kitchen, bathrooms, appliances, cabinets, floors, baseboards, fans, vents, and windows as needed.
- Remove debris, personal items, abandoned consumables, expired supplies, and exterior trash.
- Replace HVAC filter, batteries as needed, missing bulbs, damaged blinds, worn door stops, and basic consumables.
- Touch up paint or repaint areas based on showing/rental standard.
- Confirm property smell, cleanliness, pest-free presentation, and move-in ready appearance.
Owner / Manager Communication
- Prepare a punch list with completed items, open items, urgent repairs, recommended improvements, and estimated next steps.
- Send completion photos and note any items requiring approval before the next tenant or guest.
- Track vendor assignments, completion dates, costs, and unresolved issues.
- Confirm keys, remotes, access codes, lockboxes, smart locks, utility access, and showing/turnover readiness.
Final Move-In Check
- Test water, lights, outlets, HVAC, appliances, locks, smoke detectors, fans, garage door, and basic safety items.
- Confirm lawn, pool, exterior entry, trash area, parking, and mailbox condition.
- Take final photos after cleaning and repairs.
- Confirm all open items are approved, assigned, or disclosed before occupancy.