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What If I Have Questions About the Turnover Estimate I Received?

Turnover estimates can feel overwhelming especially if the property hasn’t been updated in a while or if the tenant lived there for several years.

Audience: rental property owners who have received a turnover estimate after a tenant vacates and want clarity on pricing, scope of work, required vs. optional items, timelines, and how estimates are prepared.

It’s completely normal to have questions about the costs, the scope of work, what’s optional, and what’s required before re-renting.

Here’s how MoveZen prepares turnover estimates and what to do if you have questions or concerns.

FAQs ❓

Is the turnover estimate final?
No. it’s an initial estimate. Adjustments can be made based on your feedback.

Can I ask why certain items are included?
Absolutely. Every line item can be explained.

Can I decline certain repairs?
Yes, except for items required for safety, habitability, or legal compliance.

Why are turnover costs sometimes higher than expected?
Longer tenancies, wear patterns, and outdated materials often increase scope.

Can I use my own vendors?
In many markets, yes — but they must meet required licensing, insurance, and scheduling guidelines.

Why Turnover Estimates Are Important ✔️

Turnover estimates help you understand:

  • Required repairs

  • Optional upgrades

  • Safety or compliance issues

  • Costs needed to make the home market-ready

  • Whether re-renting or selling is the better path

  • Expected time for vendors to complete work

They provide a clear roadmap for getting your home leased quickly at the best possible rent.

What’s Included in a Turnover Estimate? 🧾

A standard turnover estimate includes:

  • Cleaning (general + deep as needed)

  • Flooring repairs or replacement

  • Painting or touch-ups

  • Carpet cleaning

  • Repairs for tenant-caused damage

  • Repairs for normal wear and tear

  • Safety items (e.g., smoke/CO detectors)

  • Minor updates (fixtures, hardware, etc.)

  • Major updates (if recommended: appliances, flooring, paint)

You’ll also receive:

  • Photos

  • Recommendations

  • Notes from the inspector

  • Suggested rent range based on the improvements

Common Reasons Owners Have Questions — and the Answers ✔️

1. “Why does the estimate include full paint or flooring replacement?”

Over time, paint and flooring naturally degrade.
If the home is:

  • Heavily worn

  • Dated

  • Stained

  • Showing pet wear

  • Visibly patchy

…it may need a refresh to remain competitive.

2. “Can I decline optional upgrades?”

Yes. Cosmetic upgrades are optional.
Safety, habitability, and regulatory items are not.

Examples of required items:

  • Smoke/CO detectors

  • Rot repair

  • Water leaks

  • Broken appliances essential to habitability

  • Exposed flooring hazards

3. “Why does the estimate seem higher after a long tenancy?”

Longer tenancy = more wear.

Common examples after 4–7 years:

  • Full interior repaint

  • Flooring replacement

  • Deep cleaning

  • Appliance aging

  • Fixture deterioration

4. “Why aren’t all damages charged to the tenant?”

Because NC law only allows deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Wear-and-tear cannot legally be charged to the deposit.

5. “Can I negotiate the estimate?”

Yes you may request:

  • Removal of optional items

  • Clarification on pricing

  • Alternative approaches (repair vs. replace)

  • Adjustments to timeline

MoveZen will explain the pros and cons of each change.

How to Request Clarification on a Turnover Estimate ✔️

If you have questions:

✔ Review the estimate line-by-line

Look for items you don’t recognize or want clarified.

✔ Ask the manager for item explanations

We can break down:

  • Why each repair is recommended

  • How it affects rentability

  • Whether it’s required or optional

✔ Request photos if any are missing

Photos support transparency.

✔ Ask whether certain items impact rent

This helps prioritize work.

✔ Discuss timeline and vendor availability

Scheduling is important for reducing vacancy.

What Owners Should NOT Remove from Turnover Work ❗

These items must be completed before re-renting:

  • Smoke/CO detector updates

  • Major leaks or safety hazards

  • Mold or moisture issues

  • Full cleaning

  • Pest issues

  • Appliance repairs essential to habitability

  • Flooring repairs creating tripping hazards

  • Rot or structural problems

Declining required items violates habitability standards and delays leasing.

How Turnover Estimates Affect Rental Price 🎯

Stronger condition = higher rent + faster occupancy.

Examples:

  • New flooring can increase rent by $50–$150 depending on area

  • Fresh paint improves applicant interest

  • Updated fixtures/photos dramatically improve listing performance

Don’t underestimate the value of a modernized rental.