5 Common Mistakes Landlords Make During Unit Turnovers.
For landlords in Hamilton and surrounding areas, one of the most stressful times is when a tenant moves out, and you need to prepare the unit for the next renter. A smooth unit turnover keeps your property profitable and minimizes vacancy time. However, many landlords make costly mistakes during this process—mistakes that can delay leasing and reduce rental income.
At Citycell Property Services, we specialize in fast, efficient unit turnovers, and we know exactly what to avoid. Here are five common mistakes landlords make during unit turnovers and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Not Planning Ahead
One of the biggest mistakes is waiting until the tenant has moved out before starting the turnover process. If you don’t schedule cleaners, painters, or contractors ahead of time, you’ll end up with long delays. Every extra day your unit sits empty is lost income.
Tip: As soon as you receive notice from a tenant, start planning. Book professional services in advance to ensure a quick turnaround.
2. Overlooking Deep Cleaning
Some landlords assume a quick sweep and mop is enough. But most new tenants expect a unit that looks and feels brand new. Lingering smells, dirty carpets, or dusty corners can turn off potential renters and slow down leasing.
Tip: Invest in a professional deep cleaning service that covers carpets, appliances, kitchens, bathrooms, and every hidden spot.
3. Skipping Small Repairs
A dripping faucet, broken blinds, or cracked tiles might seem minor, but they send the wrong message to prospective tenants. Small issues add up and make the unit look poorly maintained.
Tip: Create a detailed inspection checklist and take care of even the smallest repairs before showing the unit.
4. Ignoring Fresh Paint
A fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to make a unit look appealing. Yet, many landlords skip this step, leaving walls marked up or faded. Prospective tenants notice this instantly, and it can make your property harder to rent.
Tip: Neutral colors and professional painting give your property a clean, modern look that appeals to a wide range of renters.
5. Rushing the Advertising Process
Once the unit is ready, some landlords quickly snap a few photos and post the listing online. Poor-quality pictures and vague descriptions won’t attract the best tenants.
Tip: Use high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and highlight key features like location, upgrades, and amenities. This helps you secure reliable tenants faster.
How Citycell Property Services Makes Turnovers Easy
At Citycell Property Services, we take the stress out of turnovers for Hamilton landlords. Our team handles:
Professional painting and cleaning
Repairs and maintenance
Tenant-ready inspections
High-quality property advertising
We make sure your property is move-in ready quickly so you can rent it out faster and avoid long vacancies.
Final Thoughts
Unit turnovers can either be smooth and profitable—or costly and stressful. By avoiding these five common mistakes, landlords in Hamilton can save time, protect their investment, and keep rental income flowing.
Citycell Property Services – We Manage It Fast. You Rent It Faster.
