Make-Ready Turnover Checklist

A turnover plan from move-out to the next move-in: inspection and scope, ordering vendors, repairs, paint, cleaning, safety checks, final walk and listing photos, with a schedule and cost tracker.

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General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.

General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.

Last reviewed October 29, 2026

Before you use it

Every vacant day costs a day of rent, so turnover is a schedule problem as much as a repair problem.
Work in order: repairs, then paint, then floors, then cleaning last.
Order long lead items on day one.
Record paint colors and finishes once so every turn is faster.

Read the full guide to this form

How to fill it in

Underlined spaces are blanks to fill in. The small label says what goes there.
Shaded boxes mark rules that change by state. Look up the rule where the property is located.
Delete clauses that do not apply, and add any disclosures your state or city requires.

General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use. Last reviewed October 29, 2026.

Make-Ready Turnover Checklist

The goal is a unit that is safe, clean and ready to rent in as few vacant days as possible. Work runs in a set order so trades do not undo each other: repairs first, then paint, then floors, then cleaning last.

Property address and unit
Move-out date
Target ready date
Next move-in date (if leased)
Turnover budget
Coordinator

Day 0 to 1: Inspect and scope

Collect keys and remotes. Note meter readings and move utilities into the owner's name.
Do the move-out inspection with photos, comparing against move-in.
List every repair, replacement and cleaning task with a cost estimate.
Separate tenant charges from owner costs for the deposit statement.
Order long lead items such as appliances, countertops or flooring.

Day 1 to 2: Schedule vendors

Book trades in order: handyman and repairs, painter, flooring, cleaner.
Confirm access, lockbox code and parking for each vendor.
Create a work order for each job with a due date.

Repairs

Patch walls and fix doors, hardware and blinds.
Fix leaks, running toilets and slow drains. Recaulk tubs and sinks.
Repair or replace damaged appliances.
Replace HVAC filter and service the system if due.
Fix screens, windows and locks.
Rekey or change locks.

Paint and floors

Touch up or repaint using the property's standard colors (record color codes below).
Repair or replace flooring as scoped.
Steam clean carpets after painting is finished.

Safety and code

Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Replace units past their expiry date.
Check GFCI outlets in kitchen, bath and exterior.
Check stair rails, window locks and egress windows.
Confirm the water heater is set to a safe temperature.
Treat for pests if there were any signs.

Final clean

Appliances cleaned inside and out.
Cabinets, drawers and counters wiped.
Bathrooms cleaned and sanitized.
Windows, sills and tracks cleaned.
Floors vacuumed and mopped.
Light bulbs replaced and fixtures cleaned.
Trash removed from unit and grounds.

Ready to rent

Final walk by the coordinator, with every work order closed.
Fresh listing photos taken.
Listing updated with the available date and rent.
Move-in packet ready: keys, welcome letter, move-in checklist, required disclosures.

Paint and finish record

Wall color and code
Trim color and code
Flooring type and product
Appliance models

Cost tracker

Task	Vendor	Scheduled	Done	Cost	Charge to tenant (yes or no)
Repairs
Paint
Flooring
Cleaning
Appliances
Locks
Other
Total

Days vacant
Total cost
Ready date achieved
Signed off by

General template, not legal advice. Have an attorney in your state review before use.

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