Rental Unit Turnover: 9 Steps to Get Your Property Ready for New Tenants

Posted November 7, 2024

When tenants leave a rental unit in poor condition, it can feel overwhelming for landlords and property managers. However, with a clear step-by-step process, you can turn the unit around quickly and make it appealing for new tenants. Here’s a guide on how to thoroughly restore the space, focusing on areas where damage commonly occurs and ensuring a smooth, efficient rental unit turnover.

1. Conduct a Thorough Inspection and Document Everything

The first step is a detailed inspection. Walk through each room, inspecting walls, floors, windows, and appliances. Pay close attention to common problem areas:

• Walls: Look for holes, stains, or peeling paint.
• Floors: Check for scratches, stains, or water damage—especially near entrances, bathrooms, and kitchens.
• Windows and Doors: Ensure they open and close smoothly, have no cracks, and that locks work properly.
• Ceilings: Be alert for water stains, cracks, or any signs of mould, which can indicate leaks from above.
• Fixtures and Fittings: Verify that light switches, faucets, and outlets work, and that fans and smoke detectors are functional.

Document everything with photos and detailed notes. This step is crucial for both accountability and planning repairs. Your documentation can also serve as proof for security deposit deductions, if needed.

2. Clear Out Personal Belongings and Debris

It’s common for tenants to leave behind unwanted items, ranging from trash to bulky furniture. Start by removing all debris to get a clear view of the space and any hidden damage. Inspect storage areas like closets, cabinets, and drawers to ensure they’re completely empty.

For significant amounts of trash, consider hiring a professional junk removal service. This service can speed up the process and ensures that all items are properly disposed of, making it safer and more efficient for you to continue with repairs and cleaning.

3. Deep Clean and Disinfect

A deep clean is essential, especially in a unit left in rough shape. Clean and disinfect every surface:

• Floors: Use a steam cleaner for carpets to remove stains and odours. For hardwood or tile, mop thoroughly and inspect for any scuffs or cracks.
• Kitchens: Clean inside cabinets, drawers, and especially around and behind appliances like the stove and fridge. These areas often accumulate grease and food debris.
• Bathrooms: Disinfect sinks, toilets, showers, and tubs. Check for mildew around grout lines and re-caulk if necessary.
• High-Touch Areas: Pay extra attention to doorknobs, light switches, and appliance handles to reduce germs.

If there are strong odours from pets or smoking, use odour-neutralizing products or consider a professional deodorizing service. A clean, fresh-smelling space makes a huge difference in attracting quality tenants.

4. Repair Damages

Once the unit is clean, damage will be more visible, allowing you to prioritize repairs. Here are common areas that may need attention:

• Walls and Paint: Patch holes, sand down rough areas, and apply fresh paint where needed. Touch up high-traffic areas and consider a full repaint if walls are significantly stained.
• Fixtures and Hardware: Replace broken handles, knobs, and light fixtures to give the unit a well-maintained appearance.
• Flooring: Repair or replace damaged sections. For hardwood, you may need refinishing in high-traffic areas. For tile, replace any cracked tiles or grout.

Keeping a checklist of repairs can help you stay organized and make sure nothing is overlooked. Addressing cosmetic issues improves the overall look and feel of the unit, making it more appealing to prospective tenants.

5. Service and Test Appliances

If the unit includes appliances, ensure each one is in good working condition:

• Refrigerator: Check for any unusual sounds, temperature issues, or leaks.
• Stove and Oven: Confirm that all burners work and clean any built-up grease.
• Dishwasher: Run a test cycle to ensure it drains correctly and inspect for any clogs.
• Washer/Dryer: Confirm they run smoothly and don’t have any lint or drainage issues.

If any appliances need repair, compare the cost to replacement. Fully functioning appliances not only reduce maintenance calls but also add value to the unit.

6. Inspect Plumbing and Electrical Systems

Reliable plumbing and electrical systems are crucial for tenant satisfaction. Here’s what to look out for:

• Plumbing: Test faucets, showers, and toilets for leaks, clogs, or low water pressure. Check under sinks for signs of leaks or moisture, which can lead to mould if left unchecked.
• Electrical: Test each light switch and outlet. Ensure that circuit breakers are functioning properly and that no wiring is exposed.

Address any issues you find, as unaddressed plumbing or electrical problems can lead to bigger and more costly repairs later on.

7. Arrange Pest Control if Needed

Signs of pests, such as droppings, nests, or visible insects, should be dealt with immediately. Common issues can include:

• Rodents: Look for droppings around the kitchen, particularly in cabinets.
• Insects: Check for cockroaches or ants around baseboards, plumbing, and windows.
• Bedbugs: If furniture was left behind, thoroughly inspect for signs of bedbugs.

A professional pest control service can eliminate infestations and provide a safe, clean environment for new tenants. Preventive pest control also reassures future tenants that the property is well-maintained.

8. Complete Final Touch-Ups and Walk-Through

Once repairs and cleaning are complete, conduct a final walk-through. This is your chance to address minor details and ensure everything is in top condition:

• Windows and Mirrors: Clean for a polished look and ensure they’re streak-free.
• Air Filters: Replace HVAC filters to improve air quality.
• Lightbulbs: Ensure all light fixtures have working bulbs and provide adequate lighting.
• Finishing Touches: Replace any worn-out items like blinds or cabinet knobs.

This final check ensures the unit is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, creating a positive first impression for new tenants.

9. Consider Professional Restoration Services for Extensive Damage

For cases involving severe damage—such as water intrusion, mould, or fire and smoke—a professional restoration service may be needed. Restoration experts are equipped to handle complex issues that go beyond basic repairs, ensuring the unit is safe and fully restored. Professional restoration not only preserves the property’s value but also saves time by handling the toughest parts of the turnover process.

Trust Your Local EMRG Member for Efficient and Thorough Rental Unit Turnovers

Restoring a rental can be time-consuming, but with support from your local EMRG member, the process becomes much easier. EMRG members across Canada are specialists in unit turnovers, ensuring that each step of the process is handled with efficiency and thoroughness. Each EMRG member is vetted for service excellence, so you know you’re in good hands. From cleaning to repairs and restoration, EMRG members provide property managers and landlords with a reliable solution, making sure your rental is ready for new tenants without delay.

For more information on how EMRG can assist with efficient and professional property turnovers, please contact us at info@emrg.com. Our local members are ready to support your restoration needs with the highest standards.