The Landlord’s Turnover Checklist: How to Prep a Rental in Just 3 Days

As a landlord, every day your rental unit sits empty is money out the door. But rushing through the turnover process can lead to missed repairs, unhappy tenants, or bigger problems down the line. That’s why a fast, repeatable, and high-quality rental turnover process is one of the most important systems you can build — especially if you're managing more than one property or plan to scale in the future.

At Monon & Main, we specialize in helping Indiana landlords protect their investments and keep their properties operating smoothly. Over the years, we’ve developed a reliable 3-day turnover system designed to minimize vacancy while keeping quality standards high. Whether you’re managing a duplex in Carmel or a rental home in Whitestown, this guide will walk you through exactly how to reset your property, attract great tenants, and stay ahead of costly maintenance issues — all in just three days.

Day 1: Inspect, Repair, and Replace

The moment your tenant moves out, your clock starts ticking. Day 1 is all about gathering information and getting the right people moving so the rest of the process stays on schedule.

Start with a thorough move-out inspection. Ideally, you should schedule this the same day the tenant vacates or the following morning. Use your original move-in condition report and checklist to document any changes. You’re looking for more than just cleanliness — focus on damage beyond normal wear and tear, signs of leaks or pest issues, appliance functionality, HVAC condition, and whether required safety features like smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working.

Take photos of everything — even if you don’t expect to withhold part of the security deposit. Clear photo documentation can protect you in the event of disputes and will help you spot recurring issues across turnovers.

Next, identify and schedule all repairs. If walls need patching or painting, floors need touching up, or appliances need fixing, get your contractors lined up immediately. If you’re working with reliable vendors, you can often squeeze these repairs in over Day 1 and Day 2. Don’t forget to test all plumbing fixtures — run the water, flush toilets, and check for drips under sinks. It’s much easier to deal with a slow leak before a new tenant moves in.

This is also the time to replace consumables and safety items. Swap out HVAC filters, replace lightbulbs, test GFCI outlets, and check that smoke and CO detectors are working and not expired. If your unit includes smart tech like locks or thermostats, now is the time to reset them and update access permissions.

Day 2: Deep Cleaning and Curb Appeal

By Day 2, your repairs should be underway or completed, and it’s time to shift gears into presentation mode. Even if your previous tenant left things relatively clean, you should always schedule a professional-level deep cleaning between tenants. This isn’t just about appearances — it also helps set a baseline of cleanliness and ensures your new renter isn’t inheriting someone else’s mess.

Focus especially on often-overlooked areas: baseboards, inside cabinets and drawers, the tops of ceiling fans, bathroom grout, and kitchen appliances. The oven, fridge, and microwave should be spotless. If your property has carpet, this is the time to steam-clean or consider upgrading to a more durable flooring option like LVP, which is easier to maintain and more appealing to renters.

Don’t forget the exterior — this is where many landlords lose valuable first impressions. Mow the lawn, edge the sidewalks, and trim any shrubs or trees blocking windows or walkways. If the property’s front door looks tired, a fresh coat of paint or new hardware can elevate curb appeal instantly. Sweep porches, pressure-wash siding if needed, and replace any broken exterior light fixtures.

Adding a few small touches like a clean welcome mat or flower planter near the front entry can go a long way in making a rental feel like home — and that emotional connection matters to prospective tenants, especially in competitive markets like Carmel or Westfield.

Day 3: Final Touches, Photos, and Marketing

On Day 3, it’s all about getting the unit market-ready. Start by walking the property one more time. If contractors or cleaners missed anything, now is the time to catch it. If you provide window coverings or basic staging, make sure it’s in place. Even small efforts — like hanging a shower curtain, placing hand towels in the bathroom, or putting out a small rug or fake plant — can dramatically improve how your unit photographs.

Then, take high-quality listing photos. These are your number one marketing tool. Shoot in natural light and avoid using your camera’s flash. Stand in the corners of rooms to show space and aim for consistent horizontal shots across the property. If photography isn’t your strong suit, hiring a professional is a small investment that can pay off in reduced vacancy time and higher-quality tenant leads.

With your photos ready, finalize your listing description and marketing strategy. Make sure you include keywords that match what renters are searching for, like “updated kitchen,” “washer/dryer included,” or “steps from the Monon Trail.” Mention unique features of the neighborhood — walkability, school districts, proximity to employers — and highlight any recent updates like new floors or energy-efficient appliances.

Don’t forget to update your listing across multiple platforms, such as Zillow, Apartments.com, Facebook Marketplace, and your own website (if applicable). Consider using a pre-screening questionnaire or requiring a short application before showings — it saves time and helps ensure you're only touring with qualified renters.

Lastly, have your lease agreement ready and any digital signing tools in place. Keep your move-in checklist printed or pre-filled, and confirm the utilities are transferred to the appropriate party depending on your lease terms.

Why This Process Works (and Why It Saves You Money)

Fast turnovers aren’t about cutting corners — they’re about having a reliable system in place so you’re not reinventing the wheel every time. When you stick to a proven 3-day process, you reduce downtime, increase rent-ready quality, and prevent costly emergency fixes down the road.

Too often, landlords delay between steps, forget key details, or list a unit before it’s fully prepped. That leads to bad impressions, longer vacancies, and rushed tenant placement. Our system helps you avoid that. Better yet, it sets the stage for a positive tenant experience — which can mean longer stays and fewer headaches over time.

If managing all of this on your own sounds exhausting, you're not alone. At Monon & Main, we handle the entire turnover process for our clients — from inspections and repairs to professional cleaning, staging, listing, and lease execution — all with the goal of protecting your investment and boosting your returns.

Want Our Complete Turnover Checklist?

We’ve put together a PDF printable checklist that outlines every step of this 3-day turnover process. Whether you manage one unit or ten, this will help you stay organized, reduce stress, and move faster.

👉 Click here to view the Rental Turnover Checklist

Let Monon & Main Take the Hassle Out of Turnovers

If you're tired of chasing contractors, scrambling for listings, or trying to coordinate cleanings on your lunch break, it might be time to bring in a team that’s built for this. We serve local landlords in Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, and beyond with responsive, tech-enabled property management that takes the stress off your plate — and keeps your properties running like clockwork.

📞 Ready to chat? Contact Monon & Main today to learn how we can help you streamline turnovers, improve tenant retention, and grow your rental portfolio with less guesswork.