Between-tenants checklist in California: the four things I'd change before the next m

General Landlording & Rental Properties
22hFollow

Between-tenants checklist in California: the four things I'd change before the next m

Leo SteinBusiness Member
Property Manager · Orange County, CA · Member since 2025 · 63 posts · 20 votes

Turnovers are where small problems get locked in for the next lease. Here's the short list I'd do every single time, before any new tenant gets keys:

  1. Rekey every exterior lock. Assume old keys are out there. Rekeying is fast and usually inexpensive compared with replacing locks.

  2. Test every smoke and CO detector. California has detector requirements for rentals. Test, replace batteries or units as needed, and keep a dated record.

  3. Check window and slider locks. If they don't latch, fix them now rather than on a week-one repair call.

  4. Dated photos of the whole unit. Before move-in, room by room, including inside appliances and cabinets. It's what makes the move-out comparison and deposit itemization defensible.

Curious what others include. Do you rekey every turnover or switch to rekeyable/smart locks? Anything you've learned the hard way?

General information, not legal advice.

[email protected]949-391-1019
Real Property Management Optimal 513 Reviews
WebsiteView Page
0Reply
164 views

3 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    17h

    There is no such thing as a "short list" for turnovers. If you are not checking everything against a standard you are guaranteed to have unnecessary service calls during the next tenancy. Every system, every element needs to be confirmed as meeting your particular standards, every turn. And yes, of course locks get changed, usually that is one of the very first steps, unless you are gutting and rehabbing.

    0Reply
  • Divin KanyamaBusiness Member
    Accountant · Seattle, WA · Member since 2025 · 391 posts · 153 votes
    15h

    @Leo Stein This is a solid turnover checklist. Rekeying, testing safety devices, checking windows, and taking detailed photos can prevent a lot of avoidable issues once the new lease begins.

    A few other items worth adding are testing plumbing shutoffs and GFCI outlets, checking for active leaks, servicing HVAC filters, confirming appliances work properly, and making sure exterior lights and address numbers are visible. It also helps to document utility meter readings and have the tenant complete a signed move-in condition report.

    Rekeyable locks can be a great middle ground for repeat turnovers, while smart locks are convenient if there is a reliable process for changing codes and controlling access. Either way, the system matters more than the hardware. A repeatable checklist, dated records, and quick follow-through can make turnovers smoother for both the landlord and the incoming tenant.

    [email protected]
    WEMBO CPA532 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Richard (Ryszard) Cieplechowicz
    Member since 2026 · 98 posts · 26 votes
    1h

    Good list. Two I'd add: look under every sink and around the water heater for slow leaks and old stains, since turnover is the only time the unit is empty and easy to check. And change the HVAC filter and write the date on it. On the photos, keep the same room-by-room set for move-out so the comparison is easy to line up.

    0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free