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What’s the Turnover Process Like?

MoveZen follows a structured, well-managed turnover process designed to protect your investment while keeping timelines efficient.

Audience: rental property owners who want a clear, step-by-step understanding of what happens between a tenant moving out and a new tenant moving in — including inspections, repairs, cleaning, vendor coordination, marketing, and timelines.

Turnover is the period between one resident moving out and the next one moving in. It’s a critical phase that affects your property’s condition, rental value, vacancy time, and long-term profitability.

Here’s what to expect at every stage of the turnover process.

FAQs ❓

How long does turnover usually take?
It varies, but most turnovers take 7–21 days depending on repair scope, vendor availability, and the home's condition.

Will I receive a cost estimate?
Yes. owners receive a detailed, itemized turnover estimate after the move-out inspection.

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

Can I use my own vendors?
In some markets, yes but they must meet licensing and insurance requirements, and scheduling must not delay leasing.

Does MoveZen handle marketing once repairs are done?
Absolutely. professional photos, listing descriptions, and multi-platform advertising begin once the home is ready.

Turnover Process Overview ✔️

Turnover involves five key phases:

  1. Move-Out Inspection

  2. Turnover Estimate

  3. Owner Approval

  4. Repairs & Preparation

  5. Marketing & Re-Rent

Let’s break down each phase.

1. Move-Out Inspection 🔍

Once the resident vacates and returns keys, MoveZen conducts a thorough inspection.

The inspection includes:

  • Detailed photos

  • Notes on damage vs. wear and tear

  • Cleaning assessment

  • Flooring & paint evaluation

  • Safety device checks

  • Habitability requirements

  • Exterior condition

This creates the baseline for the turnover estimate.

2. Turnover Estimate 🧾

Next, MoveZen prepares an itemized estimate of all required and recommended work.

Typical line items include:

Required:

  • Deep cleaning

  • Flooring repairs/replacement

  • Painting or touch-ups

  • Safety repairs (smoke/CO detectors)

  • Appliance repair or replacement

  • Plumbing or electrical fixes

  • Removing personal items left behind

Recommended:

  • Cosmetic upgrades

  • Fixture improvements

  • Curb appeal updates

  • Optional renovations to boost rent

The estimate helps you understand both the cost and the reasoning behind each item.

3. Owner Review & Approval ✔️

Owners decide:

  • Which recommended items to approve

  • Whether to add optional upgrades

  • Whether to decline certain non-required items

  • Whether to perform phased repairs

  • Whether to move forward with renting or consider selling

MoveZen will highlight items essential for:

  • Safety

  • Habitability

  • Rentability

  • Market competitiveness

4. Turnover Repairs & Work Completion 🛠️

Once approved, MoveZen schedules and coordinates all vendors.

This stage may include:

  • Deep cleaning

  • Carpet cleaning or replacement

  • Full interior paint

  • Installing LVP flooring

  • Repairs of walls, doors, trim, or fixtures

  • Appliance servicing

  • Landscaping touch-ups

  • Safety compliance checks

During this phase, vendors provide updates, photos, and documentation of completed work.

5. Quality Check & Final Preparation ✔️

After repairs are completed:

  • MoveZen performs a final walk-through

  • Ensures all repairs are completed correctly

  • Confirms the home meets safety standards

  • Tests appliances and fixtures

  • Checks cleanliness

  • Prepares the home for photography

This ensures the home is ready for marketing without surprises.

6. Professional Photos & Marketing 📸

Once condition is confirmed:

  • Professional listing photos are taken

  • A marketing description is created

  • The home is listed on major rental platforms

  • Syndication pushes the listing to dozens of websites

  • Showings begin through self-showing technology or agent-led tours

7. Application Review & New Tenant Placement 🧩

MoveZen screens applicants based on:

  • Credit

  • Income

  • Background

  • Rental history

  • Pet qualifications

  • Move-in timing

Once approved:

  • The new lease is drafted

  • Security deposit is collected

  • Move-in date is scheduled

  • You’re notified of final placement details

Turnover Timeline Expectations ⏱️

While timing varies, here’s a typical timeline:

Stage Estimated Time
Move-out inspection 1–3 days after vacancy
Turnover estimate 2–5 days
Owner approval Varies
Vendor scheduling 1–7 days
Repairs 3–14 days
Final check & photos 1–3 days
Marketing period 7–21 days

Total = Varies widely (7–40 days) depending on:

  • Home condition

  • Extent of repairs

  • Owner approval speed

  • Vendor availability

  • Seasonality of rental demand

Tips for Owners to Minimize Turnover Time ✔️

✔ Approve estimates quickly

✔ Pre-plan upgrades if the tenant gave early notice

✔ Allow essential preventative maintenance

✔ Consider cost-effective updates (LVP, neutral paint, modern fixtures)

✔ Respond quickly to recommended items impacting safety or rentability

Swift action reduces vacancy cost dramatically.