Common Mistakes Landlords Make During Turnovers
Turning over a rental property between tenants is a critical window of opportunity — but it’s also where many landlords lose money, time, and future tenant satisfaction.
At UpRight Advisor, we’ve seen firsthand how smart turnover management can protect property value and reduce vacancy time.
Here are the most common mistakes we see landlords make during turnovers — and how to avoid them.
1. Delaying Repairs and Maintenance
It’s tempting to wait until after a new tenant moves in to fix small issues.
But neglected repairs can lead to bigger, more expensive problems — and they set a bad tone for your tenant relationship from day one.
✅ Solution:
Schedule a full maintenance walkthrough immediately after move-out to catch leaks, appliance issues, and wear-and-tear damage early.
2. Underestimating Cleaning Needs
A quick sweep and vacuum isn’t enough.
First impressions matter — and today’s tenants expect professionally cleaned units, especially when rental prices are competitive.
✅ Solution:
Invest in professional turnover cleaning that covers appliances, baseboards, windows, and touchpoints like door handles and switches.
3. Skipping a Preventive Maintenance Check
Turnovers aren’t just for cosmetic repairs — they’re your chance to tackle preventive maintenance while the unit is empty.
✅ Solution:
Inspect HVAC systems, test smoke detectors, check plumbing under sinks, and review caulking and seals to avoid mid-lease emergencies.
4. Ignoring Curb Appeal and Common Areas
Many landlords focus only on the inside of the unit, but exterior appearance matters too — especially for first impressions during showings.
✅ Solution:
Mow the lawn, trim overgrown bushes, remove debris, and clean up common hallways, lobbies, and entryways.
5. Rushing Without a Plan
Trying to handle cleaning, repairs, inspections, and marketing all at once leads to costly mistakes and rushed decisions.
✅ Solution:
Have a turnover checklist and timeline in place.
Plan repairs, cleaning, inspections, and marketing before the move-out date to minimize vacancy gaps.
🛠️ How UpRight Advisor Can Help
Turnovers don’t have to be stressful — with the right plan and team, you can move from one tenant to the next smoothly and profitably.
At UpRight Advisor, we offer:
Work order repairs and turnover maintenance through OnSite by UpRight
Professional turnover cleaning through UpKeep by UpRight
Strategic consulting for long-term property management and capital planning
Whether you need a simple repair, a full unit refresh, or a complete turnover plan, we’re ready to help.