Turnovers eat up landlord time and budgets fast when you're juggling tenant transitions, repairs, and cleaning between leases. Professional rental turnover services handle the entire process—so your unit gets market-ready without you chasing contractors and dealing with the headaches. Here's what actually gets included when you hire the right team.
Deep Cleaning and Sanitization
This isn't a quick sweep-and-mop job. Professional turnovers include carpet shampooing or deep cleaning (sometimes replacement for heavily stained units), wall washing, baseboard cleaning, and sanitizing all appliances and surfaces. Most services tackle kitchen and bathroom grout, remove scuff marks, and clean inside cabinets and closets. You're looking at $300–$800 for a typical one-bedroom unit, depending on condition and local rates. Some providers include trash removal and hauling away abandoned tenant items.
Minor Repairs and Maintenance
Turnovers catch small problems before they become lease-breaking issues. Professional teams typically repair or replace damaged door locks, fix drywall holes, repair broken cabinet doors, touch up paint, and caulk bathroom fixtures. They'll replace weatherstripped door seals, fix squeaky hinges, and patch gaps around baseboards. This prevents tenants from using maintenance requests as negotiating leverage on rent. Expect this to range from $200–$600 depending on wear—and it's usually bundled into a turnover package rather than charged separately.
Appliance Servicing
Most turnover services include a full appliance check. They clean the refrigerator interior and coils, defrost freezers if needed, clean oven and stovetop, sanitize the microwave, and ensure the dishwasher drains properly. If an appliance is broken, the provider typically flags it for repair quotes rather than fixing it themselves—though some comprehensive packages include minor fixes like replacing heating elements or inlet valves. Budget $150–$300 for appliance prep on a fully-equipped rental.
Flooring Inspection and Refresh
Turnover services inspect all flooring for damage and clean according to type. Carpet gets deep-cleaned or spot-treated; hardwood gets sealed or refinished if needed; tile gets grout-cleaned and sealed. If flooring is stained beyond cleaning or damaged, professionals provide quotes for replacement. Most providers won't install new flooring as part of a turnover package, but they'll document the condition and give you contractor estimates. Plan for $100–$400 in flooring refresh depending on unit size and material.
HVAC and System Testing
Your turnover crew will run AC and heating systems to ensure they work, replace HVAC filters, check thermostat function, and clean vents and returns. They'll test water heaters, check for leaks under sinks, and ensure all electrical outlets work. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors get replaced (not just dusted). This takes 1–2 hours and catches failures before move-in day. Most packages include this at no extra cost; otherwise it's $100–$250.
Photography and Move-In Documentation
Good turnover services photograph every room, closet, and appliance in their final state. This creates a baseline for your next tenant's move-in inspection and protects you in security deposit disputes. Some providers generate a detailed condition report with measurements and notes on appliance age or known quirks. Digital photo documentation typically costs $50–$150 if purchased separately, but many all-in packages include it.
Timeline and Coordination
Professional turnovers take 3–10 business days depending on unit size and condition. Larger properties or heavily damaged units take longer. Reputable providers coordinate with you on access, communicate delays upfront, and provide a final walkthrough before handing keys over. They coordinate between cleaners, repair crews, and inspectors so work doesn't overlap or create bottlenecks.
What to Compare When Hiring
When evaluating providers, ask what's included in their base package versus what's extra. Some charge per service; others bundle everything into a flat rate ($800–$2,500 for a one-bedroom). Request references from landlords who've used them, check their response times, and confirm they're licensed and insured for liability. Platforms like Mercoly let you compare rental turnover service providers side-by-side so you can see pricing, services, and reviews all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a typical rental turnover take? Most turnovers take 3–7 business days for standard one- or two-bedroom units, though heavily damaged units may need 10+ days. The timeline depends on whether repairs are needed and how many contractors must coordinate.
Q: Should I hire one company for everything or separate cleaners and repair crews? All-in-one turnover services are usually more cost-effective and faster because one provider manages scheduling and quality. Hiring separately saves money only if you already have trusted contractors in your network.
Q: What happens if the turnover service finds major damage like foundation cracks or roof leaks? Professional teams will flag major structural or system issues and provide referrals to specialists, but they won't handle those repairs themselves—that's beyond turnover scope and requires licensed contractors.
Use Mercoly to find and compare turnover services in your area based on pricing, services offered, and customer reviews.