When a tenant moves out, the clock starts. The faster a unit is repaired, painted and cleaned, the sooner it earns rent again. A consistent checklist keeps turnovers predictable.
Walk the unit as soon as it is empty. Note every hole, scuff and stain on the walls and ceilings, and check doors, trim, baseboards and cabinets. Decide early whether the unit needs touch-ups or a full repaint; a unit that was occupied for several years usually needs the full repaint.
Look for the problems paint alone will not solve. Water stains, smoke and nicotine, cooking grease, pet odors and marker all need cleaning and a stain- and odor-blocking primer first, and mildew in bathrooms should be treated before any coating.
Standardize your colors and sheens across the property. Using the same paint in every unit makes touch-ups blend in, shortens each turnover and keeps your units looking consistent to prospective tenants.
Schedule the trades in the right order: repairs and drywall first, then paint, then refinishing of tubs and countertops if needed, and the final cleaning last. Painting after flooring or cleaning usually means doing some of that work twice.
Finish with a walkthrough before the unit is shown. Elite Painting Inc handles turnover painting, drywall and texture repair, refinishing and final cleaning for apartments across the Portland metro area. Call (503) 330-8754 for a free estimate.