# Unit turnover checklist for small property managers

By James Grokman, CEO, TapeAndFloat · 2026-10-25 · Canonical: https://pm.tapeandfloat.com/guides/unit-turnover-checklist.html

**A unit turnover is the work between one tenant moving out and the next moving in: inspect, repair, clean, re-rent. The clock starts at move-out: in Texas a landlord must refund the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the unit (Property Code [§ 92.103](https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PR/htm/PR.92.htm)).**
**Not legal advice.** General information for small-office staff, current as of October 25, 2026. Texas statutes are cited as examples; your state and your contracts control the details.

## Day 0-1: move-out

- Walk the unit with photos and the move-in report.
- Collect keys, note the forwarding address.
- Start the deposit deadline countdown.

## Day 1-3: scope and schedule

List the work by trade in the order it has to happen: repairs and patching (drywall, doors, fixtures), paint, flooring, cleaning, final touch-ups. Book each vendor with a date and a not-to-exceed amount.

## During the turn

- Check each vendor finished before the next starts.
- Collect invoices and photos against each work order.
- Keep deduction receipts with the deposit file.

## Before move-in

- Final walk, smoke and CO detectors, locks changed.
- Deposit refund or itemized list sent on time.

## Where an assistant helps

TapeAndFloat keeps each turn in your Sheet, tracks vendor dates and invoices, and warns you before the deposit deadline.

**Free 60-day pilot:** forward your job emails to the assistant, keep working in your own Sheet, and get a short daily list of what is slipping. No new app, no card. [Request a pilot spot](../#pilot).

## Frequently asked questions

### How long does a landlord have to return a deposit in Texas?

Within 30 days after the tenant surrenders the premises, with an itemized list of any deductions (Property Code § 92.103-.104). Other states differ.

### What order should turnover trades go in?

Repairs and patching first, then paint, flooring, cleaning and final touch-ups.

### Should I photograph the unit at move-out?

Yes, dated photos support deposit deductions.

### Can the assistant schedule vendors?

It drafts the messages and tracks dates; you approve.