A resident has let you know they’ve accepted a new job. Great! Unfortunately, it’s in another state and they are going to have to move. While it can be sad to see someone go, you need to get that apartment filled as the property manager. Luckily for you, your marketing strategy means you have plenty of prospects. Now it’s time to get the unit ready and turned over for the new person. Next, it’s time to pull out your apartment turnover checklist.

While apartment turnover checklists can vary greatly from property to property in terms of details, the core point remains the same. Ensure the unit is prepped, ready, and in a state that the next resident expects it to be in. That’s the number one purpose of these turnover checklists. So you’re not just double-checking the resident’s apartment move-out cleaning checklist, you’re making a home ready for your next resident.

When that resident toured your property, either in person or virtually, they were sold because of a specific reason. Maybe it was the look, the feel, or maybe a specific layout, and that’s what they expect that specific one. So the leasing team needs to deliver on that expectation in the turnover process. The space needs to meet the resident’s expectations

So, while this checklist may not have everything your specific property or resident requires, we pulled together a few key things to help your apartment turnover checklist deliver.

Initial Turnover Walkthrough

When most leasing teams and property managers think about their apartment turnover checklist, this comes to mind first. It’s the initial walkthrough of the space after the previous resident has moved out. Second, it’s checking to see what damages need repairing, if any. Think about these questions:

  • Did they put major holes in the walls?
  • Are any of the appliances broken?
  • Is there damage to the door hinges or to the window blinds?

Things like that. Then, you’ll need to schedule any necessary repairs or replacements.

This is also when you’ll need to determine what level of apartment turnover cleaning needs to be done. You’ll want to engage your preferred turnover cleaning services. However, you may need to make sure they bring certain supplies depending on the state the previous resident left their unit. Which, based on the above assessments, is how you’ll determine how much of their security deposit gets returned to them.

Updates and Upgrades

After the cleaning and repairs, which every property does between residents, things start to vary. That initial walk-through could also influence this element of the apartment turnover checklist and the apartment turnover cost. For example, how much damage was done to the carpet? Can you clean it or will you need to replace it? Maybe it is your property’s policy to repaint all the walls between residents.

Had the previous resident been there a long time? If so, it may be time to do some renovations to make sure it matches up with any new units. That could also mean upgrading the appliances or countertops in the kitchen or bathrooms. You’ll also want to check off things like replace lightbulbs or batteries in smoke and/or carbon monoxide detectors, depending on the level of work that needs to be done. You may want to outsource to an apartment turnover service or apartment turnover specialists.

Change the Locks

Another important part of the apartment turnover process is to rekey the apartment. Even if the previous resident turned in their keys, you’ll want to change the locks and have new keys made. That prevents uninvited access to the apartment and gives your new resident a sense of security.

You’ll want to make sure you also have a set of the new keys for any emergencies, inspections, or if your resident happens to lock themselves out of their apartment.

Final Walkthrough

Before you start showing the empty unit, you’ll want to do a final walk-through. This way, you’re certain the space is ready to go and meets the expectations of the next resident. This final walkthrough is also a great time to check off another checklist item.

Shoot a Video Tour

When you’re turning a unit, if you don’t have a video of that specific unit, that final walk-through is a great time to shoot one. Film the video while the unit is vacant, clean, and ready for a new resident. Then you’ll have a polished, professional video of that specific unit that you can use in an evergreen capacity moving forward. That’s how many leasing teams and properties get a large, cloud-based library of unit-specific video content.

Next time, you’ll be able to pre-lease the space as soon as you know a resident is moving out without having to show an occupied space. You’re still showing the resident the exact unit they’ll be living in, ready for them to move into, exactly what it can look like on move-in day. That sort of content can set and manage their expectations, becoming a powerful leasing tool. Checking this off the list will pay off in the long run and is made much easier with a fully integrated virtual leasing platform in your toolbox.

If you aren’t organized, turning over an apartment could be a stressful situation. Using this list as a guide will help you develop a detailed apartment turnover checklist.

Get In Touch!

Close more leases, market more effectively, engage with residents and, as always, keep it real. Do you have a question or suggestion? Or want to learn more about what you read? Email us at contact@realync.com. We’d love to hear from you!