Turnover Cleaning Checklist for Landlords & Property Managers

Landlords and property managers – hear us out – property turnover cleaning between tenants is an absolute necessity. And this is a rule of thumb in the rental domain.

So, every time you are about to welcome new tenants, a handy turnover cleaning checklist is a must.

How you choose to represent the space speaks volumes to the tenants about to board. There are several things to manage before handing over the apartment. From repairing wear and tear to decking the space with proper furniture, it is a time of immense pressure.

Either way, a sparkling, move-in-ready unit is a pleasant surprise for incoming tenants. It is a powerful statement about your professionalism and the care you put into your properties. It sets the tone for a positive landlord-tenant relationship and ensures your investment is presented in the best possible light.

So, we are here with a comprehensive turnover cleaning checklist that will transform a stressful, disorganized process into a streamlined and efficient operation.

Let’s begin.

Why is a Turnover Cleaning Checklist Essential?

A turnover cleaning checklist is more than a helpful tool.

While it is daunting, it is an essential part of effective property management. As tenants transition, it is all too easy to let things slip through the cracks. A move-out can be a whirlwind of activity, and without a clear, step-by-step plan, you risk a rushed and incomplete cleaning job.

An unclean apartment leads to a host of problems, from disgruntled new tenants to costly delays in getting the property re-rented.

A well-structured checklist ensures a consistent standard of cleanliness every single time. It takes the guesswork out of the process, guaranteeing every corner is addressed.

Whether you are handling the cleaning yourself or investing in commercial cleaning services, the consistency maintains a high-quality space and a professional reputation.

Hence, here's why a checklist is non-negotiable for a smooth turnover –

• Ensures Consistency: Guarantees every unit is cleaned to the same high standard, no matter who does the work.
• Saves Time and Money: Prevents costly do-overs and delays by ensuring the job is done right the first time.
• Reduces Stress: Replaces chaos with a calm, organized process, making turnovers feel manageable.
• Improves Tenant Satisfaction: A spotless home makes a great first impression and sets the stage for a positive tenancy.
• Protects Your Investment: Regular, thorough cleaning helps maintain the property’s condition and value over time.
• Provides a Record: Serves as documentation for the work performed, useful for both internal records and for resolving any disputes with former tenants regarding cleaning deposits.

Ultimately, a turnover cleaning checklist is your roadmap to a stress-free, efficient, and profitable property turnover. It’s a simple investment of time that pays off in a big way.  

Essential Turnover Cleaning Checklist for Landlords & Property Managers

A detailed rental turnover cleaning checklist is your blueprint for transforming a vacant, lived-in space into a pristine, inviting home.

It is more than the appearance. It is about protecting your asset and making a powerful first impression that attracts and retains high-quality tenants.

Our rental turnover cleaning checklist is designed to be a step-by-step roadmap, ensuring that no detail, no matter how small, is overlooked. We have covered it from room to room, making the process logical and efficient.

Before you begin the deep clean, a few preliminary steps are crucial –

• Ensure all personal belongings of the previous tenant have been removed and any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks have been completed.
• The cleaning process should always start from the top down—dusting ceilings and light fixtures first, then moving down to the floors.

This strategy prevents you from having to clean the same surfaces twice. So, ready to roll up your sleeves? Let’s get started.

The Complete Turnover Cleaning Checklist

General & All Rooms

Remove all trash and debris: Ensure the unit is empty of garbage and personal items left by the previous tenant.

Dusting: Dust all surfaces from top to bottom. It includes ceiling fans, light fixtures, ledges, window sills, and blinds. Use a microfiber cloth for the best results.

Wipe Down Walls and Baseboards: Clean any marks or scuffs on the walls and baseboards. Use a magic eraser for tough spots.

Clean Windows: Clean all windows (interior and exterior, windows, sills, and tracks. Vacuum the tracks first to remove any loose debris.

Doors and Door Frames: Wipe down all doors and door frames, paying attention to high-traffic areas around handles and knobs.

Flooring

Carpet: Professionally steam clean all carpets.

Hardwood/Laminate: Sweep, then mop the floors with an appropriate cleaner.

Tile: Sweep, then mop the floors. If the grout is dirty, scrub it with a grout brush and cleaner.

HVAC Vents and Filters: Dust and wipe down all air vents. Replace the HVAC filter.

Light Switches and Outlets: Wipe down all light switch plates and outlet covers.

Kitchen

Refrigerator: Empty, unplug, and clean the interior. Remove shelves and drawers to wash them separately. Wipe down the exterior, including the top, sides, and front. Do not forget the coils on the back.

Oven: Run the self-cleaning cycle if available, or manually scrub the interior. Clean the stovetop, and remove the drip pans to clean them. Clean the exterior of the oven, including the front and knobs.

Microwave: Clean the interior and exterior. Remove and wash the glass tray.

Dishwasher: Clean the interior, paying special attention to the filter at the bottom. Wipe down the exterior.

Cabinets and Drawers: Empty all cabinets and drawers. Wipe down the interior and exterior of all surfaces. Clean the hardware.

Countertops: Clean and sanitize all countertops.

Sink: Scrub the sink basin and faucet. Use a metal polish on stainless steel sinks. Clean the garbage disposal thoroughly.

Backsplash: Wipe down and degrease the backsplash.

Floors: Sweep and mop the kitchen floor. Pay close attention to corners and edges.

Bathroom

Toilet: Clean and sanitize the toilet bowl, lid, seat, base, and exterior.

Shower/Bathtub: Scrub the tub or shower stall, including the walls, floor, and any glass doors. Treat any mildew or soap scum. Clean the faucet and showerhead.

Sink and Vanity: Clean and sanitize the sink basin and faucet. Wipe down the countertop and vanity.

Mirror: Clean the mirror to a streak-free shine.

Cabinets and Drawers: Empty, wipe down, and clean the interior and exterior of all cupboards and drawers.

Fans/Vents: Clean the exhaust fan cover to remove dust buildup.

Floors: Sweep and mop the bathroom floor, ensuring the area around the base of the toilet and tub is clean.

Bedrooms

Closets: Dust and wipe down all shelves and rods inside the closets. Sweep or vacuum the closet floor.

Doors: Wipe down doors and handles.

Windows: Clean windows and sills.

Floors: Clean the floors according to the type, like carpet or hardwood.

Laundry Room/Utility Area

If you have a laundry room, we suggest addressing it too –

Washer and Dryer: Clean the interior and exterior of both machines. Check the lint trap and clean it thoroughly. Wipe down the tops and sides of the machines.

Shelving: Dust and wipe down any shelving in the area.

Floors: Sweep and mop the floor.

The Final Walkthrough

Once the cleaning is complete, it is time for a final walkthrough.

Use this checklist to verify that every item has been addressed. Look for streaks on glass, dust in corners, and smudges on walls.

The final inspection ensures your property is truly move-in ready and will leave a lasting positive impression on your new tenants.

A pristine unit is a testament to your professionalism and care for your property, setting the stage for a positive and successful tenancy from day one.  

Pro Tips for Efficient Turnover Cleaning

Through the years of expertise as a cleaning company in the US, we have mastered the art of turnover cleaning.

Here are some professional tips to help you streamline the process, save time, and ensure a top-quality result every time –

Start with a “Top-Down, Left-to-Right” Approach

It is the golden rule of cleaning.

Always start from the highest points in a room and work your way down. Dust and debris fall, so cleaning from top to bottom ensures you do not end up cleaning the same surface twice.

Within each room, follow a consistent pattern, such as moving from left to right, to ensure no area is missed. This method guarantees a thorough clean and prevents backtracking.

Gather All Your Supplies First

Before you start, create a cleaning caddy or bucket with all the necessary supplies for each room. It includes microfiber cloths, sponges, paper towels, a multi-surface cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, oven cleaner, and a grout brush.

Having everything you need on hand eliminates time wasted searching for supplies and keeps you focused on the task.

Let Products Do the Work

For tough jobs like a greasy oven or a grimy shower, apply the cleaner and let it sit for the recommended time before scrubbing. The approach allows the chemicals to break down the grime, making it much easier to wipe away.

While one product is working, you can move on to cleaning another area, maximizing your time.

The Power of Microfiber

Invest in high-quality microfiber cloths. They are excellent for trapping dust, polishing surfaces, and cleaning glass without leaving streaks.

Use different colored cloths for other areas. For example, use blue for glass and green for general surfaces to avoid cross-contamination.

Use Vacuum Attachments for Everything

Do not just use your vacuum attachment for floors to clean the rest of the room. Vacuums come with so many attachments for a reason – they are your best friends!

Use the crevice tool to access window tracks and spaces between appliances. Use the dusting brush for blinds, air vents, and baseboards. The upholstery tool is great for cleaning inside closets or on fabric window treatments.

Double-Check the “Hidden” Spots

New tenants will inspect every inch of the property. Make sure to clean the often-forgotten areas:

• Behind and under the refrigerator and stove.
• The tops of kitchen cabinets.
• Inside drawers and cupboards.
• The edges of the flooring accumulate dirt.
• Behind the toilet.
• The lint trap and vent on the dryer.

Consider Hiring a Professional Service

While a DIY approach can save money, a professional cleaning service can be a valuable investment, especially for properties with a quick turnover schedule.

Professional cleaners have the right equipment and expertise to get the job done quickly and to a high standard.

If you do hire commercial cleaning services NYC, you can provide them with your detailed checklist to ensure they meet your expectations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Turnover Cleaning

Turnover cleaning is a critical step in preparing a space for a new tenant. However, even with a checklist, it is easy to make mistakes that can cost you time and money. Being aware of these common pitfalls helps you avoid them and ensure a smooth, successful turnover.

Rushing the Job

One of the biggest mistakes is trying to get the cleaning done too quickly. A rushed job leads to missed spots and a subpar result.

This will only disappoint the new tenants and force you to re-clean, delaying the move-in.

Take your time and follow the checklist step by step to ensure a thorough cleaning the first time. ‍

Neglecting the Hidden Areas

It is easy to focus on the obvious surfaces. However, tenants always notice if you have skipped the less visible areas.

Forgetting to clean the tops of kitchen cabinets, inside drawers, behind the toilet, or along the edges of the floor can make the entire unit feel less clean.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Using the wrong product can damage surfaces and create more work for you.

For example, using an abrasive cleaner on a delicate surface like stainless steel can cause scratches. Always use cleaners appropriate for the surface you are working on. If you are unsure, a simple all-purpose cleaner and a bit of elbow grease are often the safest bet.

Not Following a System

Without a systematic approach, you are more likely to miss areas. Jumping from room to room or cleaning surfaces in a random order leads to inefficiency and oversight.

A structured system ensures every inch of the property is covered, eliminating the need for back-and-forth trips.

Skipping the Final Walkthrough

Thinking the job is done once the cleaning crew leaves is a big mistake. A final walkthrough is crucial for quality control.

Use your checklist to inspect every room and confirm that all tasks have been completed to your standards. At this moment, you can find any missed spots before the new tenants arrive.

Not Documenting the Condition

It’s a good practice to take after photos of the cleaned property. It provides a visual record of its condition at the time of the new tenant’s move-in.

It can be a valuable reference for future turnovers and resolve any disputes regarding the security deposit with the previous tenant.

We advise being mindful of these common mistakes to elevate your home or apartment turnover cleaning process.

Your Path to a Seamless Turnover with Sterling Cleaning

Smoothly handing over the keys and opening the space to new tenants is not what you should call a successful turnover.

Turnovers are about setting the stage for a positive and profitable tenancy. The final clean is more than a chore; it is a powerful statement about the quality of your property and the professionalism of your management.

Our room-by-room checklist here eliminates guesswork and ensures every unit is consistently immaculate. Go ahead and impress the new tenants or get your property re-rented faster.

However, we understand that this meticulous process can be incredibly time-consuming. It is far more tedious if you are managing multiple properties or dealing with back-to-back move-outs.

That is where we come in.

At Sterling Cleaning Services, our team of professional cleaners specializes in turnover cleaning for landlords and property managers. We have the expertise, equipment, and efficiency to handle every detail on this list and more.

By trusting the deep clean to us, you can free up your valuable time to focus on what you do best: managing your properties and finding the perfect new tenants.

Let us help you turn a stressful transition into a seamless, sparkling success with the best commercial cleaning services!