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What Can Be Done to Minimize My Turnover Expenses After a Longer Tenancy?

Long-term tenants are great fewer vacancies, less turnover, and more predictable income.

Audience: rental property owners wanting to reduce turnover costs, especially following long-term tenants, and looking for practical strategies that improve durability, reduce frequent replacements, and keep make-ready costs manageable.

But when they move out, the turnover cost is often much higher simply because materials naturally age, and normal wear accumulates.

The good news: There are effective ways to reduce these expenses over time.

FAQs ❓

Are turnover costs always higher for long-term tenants?
Usually, yes because paint, flooring, appliances, and fixtures reach end-of-life.

Can I charge tenants for these increases?
Not if the items are fully depreciated or worn through normal use.

Are there upgrades that reduce future costs?
Absolutely and some pay for themselves quickly.

Can MoveZen help plan long-term strategies?
Yes we provide itemized recommendations based on your property’s condition and goals.

Why Turnover Is More Expensive After Longer Tenancies ✔️

  • Paint lifespan: 3–5 years

  • Carpet lifespan: 5–7 years

  • Blinds lifespan: 2–5 years

  • Appliances: 7–12 years

  • Caulk and grout: needed every few years

These items naturally degrade over time.

Owners cannot charge tenants when materials reach their expected lifespan — meaning all those replacements fall to the owner, increasing turnover cost.

Strategies to Reduce Turnover Costs (Short & Long Term) 🧠

These are the most effective and proven ways to reduce future turnover expenses.

1. Install Durable, Long-Life Flooring 🧱

Best option: LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)

  • Lasts 15–20+ years

  • Almost pet- and water-proof

  • Much cheaper than replacing carpet every 5–7 years

  • Attractive to renters

This is one of the highest ROI upgrades a rental owner can make.

2. Use High-Quality, Washable Paint 🎨

Choosing a durable paint means:

  • Less repainting between tenants

  • Fewer touch-ups

  • Longer wall life

Cheaper paint usually requires full repainting every time — costing far more in the long run.

3. Choose Mid-Grade Appliances 🔌

Ultra-cheap appliances fail quickly.
High-end appliances are costly and unnecessary.

Mid-grade appliances:

  • Last much longer

  • Reduce repair calls

  • Minimize replacements during turnovers

This prevents major surprise expenses later.

4. Approve Preventative Maintenance During Tenancy 🛠️

Fixing small issues early reduces:

  • Larger repairs

  • Water damage

  • Pest issues

  • Rot

  • Mold

  • HVAC breakdowns

Encouraging tenants to report issues early saves money.

5. Standardize Materials Across Your Properties (If You Own Multiple) 📦

Using the same:

  • Paint color

  • Flooring

  • Blinds

  • Fixtures

…allows for faster, cheaper replacements and reduces waste.

6. Avoid Trendy or Custom Finishes 🖼️

Trendy materials:

  • Date quickly

  • Are expensive to replace

  • Require specialty contractors

  • Can reduce rental appeal

Durable neutrals keep costs low and renter demand high.

7. Conduct Periodic Inspections 🔍

Optional mid-term inspections can help catch:

  • Pet issues

  • Water leaks

  • Unauthorized modifications

  • Safety concerns

Addressing issues early avoids expensive turnover repairs later.

8. Replace Blinds With More Durable Alternatives 🪟

Thin plastic blinds break easily and depreciate fast.

Consider:

  • Faux wood blinds

  • Roller shades

  • Cellular blinds (for higher-end properties)

These last longer and reduce repetitive costs.

9. Offer Renewal Incentives 🔄

Turnover is costly — keeping great tenants is cheaper.

Options include:

  • Modest rent increases

  • Small upgrades

  • Flexible renewal terms

This reduces turnover frequency, which is the biggest driver of cost.

10. Approve Minor Upgrades Between Tenants 🛋️

Small investments today prevent major expenses later.

Examples:

  • Caulk refresh

  • Light fixture replacements

  • Upgraded faucets

  • Hardware updates

These improve longevity and renter satisfaction.

How MoveZen Helps Minimize Turnover Costs ✔️

MoveZen provides:

  • Detailed turnover assessments

  • Vendor quotes

  • Prioritized recommendations (urgent vs optional)

  • Depreciation analysis

  • Owner consultation on upgrade options

  • Expertise on materials with the best ROI

Our goal is to preserve your property value while keeping costs reasonable.

Why Trying to Charge Tenants for Normal Wear Will Backfire ❗

Attempting to charge tenants for non-chargeable items can result in:

  • Deposit forfeiture

  • Legal disputes

  • Delays in re-renting

  • Loss of good tenants

  • Licensing risks for your manager

MoveZen carefully protects owners by ensuring charges are lawful and defensible.

Quick Summary: What Most Reduces Turnover Costs? 💡

✔ Install durable flooring (LVP)

✔ Use mid-grade appliances

✔ Standardize fixtures & paint

✔ Allow preventative maintenance

✔ Encourage renewals

✔ Plan financially for long-term replacements

✔ Avoid custom or fragile finishes

These changes often reduce turnover costs by 30–50% over time.