Delaware Rental Rehab & Turnover Checklist

Every day a unit sits empty between tenants is lost rent. A clear turnover process keeps that window as short as possible, without cutting corners that create problems for the next tenant. Here's the checklist our maintenance team runs on every turnover.

1. Move-Out Inspection

Before any work starts, walk the unit with the move-in inspection report in hand and document current condition, room by room, with photos. This is what determines what's normal wear and tear versus tenant damage, and what can be deducted from the security deposit.

2. Trash-Out and Deep Clean

• Remove all trash, discarded furniture, and personal belongings left behind

• Clear out the refrigerator, cabinets, and closets completely

• Deep clean kitchen and bathrooms, including inside appliances

• Vacuum or sweep every room, including closets

3. Walls, Ceilings, and Paint

• Patch nail holes, drywall damage, and cracks

• Repaint any walls with scuffs, marks, or color mismatches

• Check ceilings for water stains or damage around fixtures

4. Flooring

• Clean or refinish hardwood floors

• Replace worn or damaged vinyl, tile, or carpet

• Check subfloor for soft spots or water damage before replacing flooring

5. Systems and Safety

• Test HVAC, water heater, and all plumbing fixtures

• Replace batteries and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Check all locks, and rekey or replace as needed

• Confirm every outlet and light switch works

Worth Knowing

Turnovers move fastest when one team handles the whole process, from trash-out to final walkthrough, instead of scheduling separate contractors for each step.

6. Final Walkthrough

Before relisting, walk the unit as if you were a prospective tenant. Check that every room is clean, every system works, and the photos you'll use for marketing actually reflect the condition of the property.

7. How Advanced Realty Solutions Protects Your Investment

Our in-house maintenance team runs this exact process on every turnover we manage, so nothing gets handed off between separate contractors. See real before and after results on our case studies page, or contact us today if your unit needs a turnover.

This checklist is a general guide and may not cover every requirement for your specific property. Local codes and lease terms can affect what work is required before a unit can be re-leased.