The Apartment Turnover Checklist Property Managers Swear By
May 26, 2026 · 2 min read · Apartment Turnovers, Property Management
Every vacant day costs money. A consistent make-ready process turns units faster without cutting corners. Here is the checklist our crews work from.
Inspect and Scope
Walk the unit and document its condition. Note everything that needs repair, replacement, or cleaning so the scope is clear before work starts. A good scope up front prevents surprises and re-visits.
Repairs First
Handle the fixes before paint and cleaning:
- Patch and texture drywall, then prime
- Repair or replace doors, trim, and hardware
- Check plumbing fixtures and caulk wet areas
- Replace damaged blinds, outlets, and switch plates
Paint
Touch up or fully repaint depending on wear. A clean, neutral repaint is one of the highest-return steps in a turnover and makes the whole unit feel new.
Deep Clean
Clean top to bottom: appliances inside and out, cabinets, floors, windows, and bathrooms. The unit should be move-in ready, not just tidy.
Final Details
- Change the locks and test all keys
- Replace HVAC filter and test heating and cooling
- Confirm smoke and CO detectors work
- Final walk-through against your standards
Turn Units Faster With One Crew
Terracotta Construction handles full apartment turnovers and ongoing property maintenance for managers and landlords across Montgomery County and Greater Houston, with fast turnaround and reliable communication. Reach out to talk about your portfolio.
