Tenant Turnover - What Would you Do?

Question

After every tenant turnover, do you paint touchup? Or leave it for every few years?

What work do you usually do on the unit to maintain it after a tenant leaves?

Dawn P. · Answer

I just touch up any chips or scuffs in the paint that a magic eraser won't get out - I keep a big box of those around, they're amazing. Deep clean the whole place, pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils, make sure all drains are working and sanitize them - stop and fill each sink with a mix of hot water, a splash of bleach, and several good squirts of Dawn dish soap. Let each one drain separately and flush with more hot water. (My plumber recommended this)

My last turnover, I did replace some vertical blinds that were tired looking and installed a new carport light. Little things can make a house look so much better...

Adam Martin · Answer

I used to paint the whole house between tenants but now I just touch up paint unless its bad.  I use flat paint since it blends well but for nail holes just take a tiny bit of spackle and fill the hole wiping off any excess that gets on the wall with a damp rag.  After it dries I took one of my wife's paintbrushes she uses for paintings and get the tiny hole, no one knows the difference and saves a ton of time and trouble.  My dog and kids bring a ton of dirt into my house so I own a rug doctor I use to clean the carpets and I always vacuum and mop.  Between tenants I also like to do small upgrades to switch out lighting, upgrade a counter or change doors, nothing major but makes the place look nicer and the amount I am willing to spend varies depending on my budget for the rest of the turnover.  I don't want the houses to look dated so I like to update as I go along so I don't get too far behind with a major reno.  If carpet on the main floor needs replaced I'll update with LVP but I like to keep carpet in the bedrooms.

Bjorn Ahlblad · Answer

@Mike Rodriguez it really depends...............we do what needs to be done. At a minimum that's cleaning and shampooing any carpet. Painting has ranged from simple touch up to a complete repainting. We have also done flooring, fixtures and paint. Anything from basically zero to 15,000 for redoing a 3 bed 3 bath duplex. We take pride in what we deliver in value to our tenants.

Theresa Harris · Answer

It depends on what needs to be done.  Usually it is cleaning and quick check to make sure everything works.

Tenant Turnover - What Would you Do?

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