Rental Unit Turnover Checklist for Property Managers

A consistent turnover process helps property managers reduce missed deficiencies, contractor callbacks and delays between tenants.

Every property is different, but the same core areas should generally be inspected after each move-out.

Here is a practical turnover checklist for rental properties.

1. Walls, Ceilings and Paint

Inspect all rooms for:

• Nail and screw holes
• Drywall damage
• Cracks
• Heavy scuffing
• Stains
• Peeling paint
• Damaged corners
• Poor previous patching

Determine whether the unit requires localized touch-ups or a full repaint — see our painting and drywall services.

Look closely behind furniture locations and near entrances, where wall damage is particularly common.

2. Doors and Hardware

Check every interior and exterior door.

Test:

• Door handles
• Latches
• Locks
• Hinges
• Door closers
• Strike plates
• Door stops

Every door should close, latch and open normally.

Loose hardware should be corrected before the next tenant moves in rather than becoming an immediate maintenance request. Door and hardware work is part of our building repairs scope.

3. Kitchen

Inspect:

• Cabinet doors
• Hinges
• Drawer slides
• Countertops
• Sink
• Faucet
• Drain
• Caulking
• Appliances
• Lighting
• Electrical receptacles

Check that cabinets open and close properly and that no shelves or components are missing.

4. Bathroom

Bathrooms generate a large percentage of routine rental maintenance.

Inspect:

• Tub and shower caulking
• Sink
• Faucet
• Toilet
• Drain stoppers
• Vanity
• Towel racks
• Mirrors
• Exhaust fan
• Light fixtures

Failed caulking should be addressed before occupancy because it can allow moisture to reach areas that are more difficult to repair later.

5. Electrical

Test accessible:

• Light fixtures
• Switches
• Receptacles
• Bathroom fans
• Appliance connections

Missing or damaged cover plates should also be replaced.

Larger electrical deficiencies — devices, fixtures, panels and circuits — are handled as part of our apartment building maintenance work.

6. Plumbing

Look for:

• Active leaks
• Slow drains
• Loose faucets
• Damaged shut-offs
• Dripping fixtures
• Missing stoppers
• Water damage

Even minor leaks should be investigated before the new tenant occupies the unit.

7. Flooring and Baseboards

Inspect:

• Hardwood
• Laminate
• Vinyl
• Tile
• Carpet
• Baseboards
• Transitions

Look for lifting flooring, damaged edges, broken tiles and sections that may create a trip hazard.

8. Appliances

Test the appliances supplied with the unit where appropriate.

Check:

• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Dishwasher
• Microwave
• Washer
• Dryer

Also inspect removable items such as dryer lint filters, refrigerator shelves and appliance trays.

9. Windows and Exterior Doors

Check:

• Window locks
• Screens
• Handles
• Caulking
• Trim
• Sliding doors
• Balcony doors

Look for condensation-related staining or damaged finishes around windows. Exterior and common-area items can be paired with grounds and exterior maintenance during the same visit.

10. Final Cleaning

Repairs should generally be completed before the final turnover cleaning.

Otherwise, painters and repair contractors may create dust or debris after the cleaners have already finished.

A practical sequence is:

Repairs → painting → trade work → final deficiencies → cleaning → final inspection.

Photograph Everything

Take photographs before work begins and after completion.

This helps with:

• Contractor scopes
• Quotes
• Tenant damage documentation
• Owner reporting
• Quality control

It also makes it substantially easier to send a contractor a list of deficiencies without requiring multiple preliminary site visits.

Need Help Completing a Turnover?

Unit Ready GTA works with property managers and landlords across Toronto and the GTA to complete unit turnovers, repair lists, painting, drywall and general property maintenance.

Send us the inspection report or photos and we can help turn it into a workable scope. Request a quote.