Some property owners still see preventive maintenance at turn over as “overkill.” Why spend an extra $100 on little fixes when everything seems fine? The short answer: because those $100 in preventive tasks usually prevent $300 or more in future maintenance calls.
At Sagareus, we’ve proven it over hundreds of turnovers. When we address standardized preventive checks while the unit is vacant because the work is faster, cleaner, and dramatically cheaper than sending vendors into an occupied property later. Instead of five separate service calls, we bundle small tasks into one coordinated effort. That’s operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction in one move.
Turn over is the perfect window to catch issues early. You already have vendors onsite, utilities are active, and no one’s living there to schedule around. Every item on the Rent Ready Checklist takes minutes to confirm, but missing just one can cost hours and goodwill later.
A leaky faucet left unchecked turns into a wall repair. A slow drain turns into a clogged drain and 10 p.m. emergency text. A furnace with a clogged filter drives up utility costs and tenant complaints.
Preventive means you stay ahead of those calls and your tenants feel cared for from day one.
Picture this: two identical homes, side by side.
In Home A, every checklist item is completed at turn over. The new tenant moves in, everything works. Their first maintenance ticket is submitted in month 6 of tenancy.
In Home B, turnover was rushed. Over the next four weeks, the tenant reports a non-heating bedroom, a dripping faucet, and a faint odor from the washer drain. Three separate visits (and invoices) later, the tenant’s confidence is gone, just in time for them to decide whether to renew their lease or not.
Same property type, different process. The difference is preventive attention; Done once, done right. The result is lower overall cost and lower overall vacancy.
Because the best maintenance call is the one you never have to make.
Below are the standardized preventive checks Sagareus performs at every turn over. Each line matches our checklist exactly; And each one saves you time, money, and friction later.
Rekeying isn’t just about safety; it’s about trust. New tenants deserve peace of mind knowing previous keys won’t work. It also keeps your liability airtight.
Smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors save lives—and lawsuits. Full coverage ensures compliance and prevents after-hours panic calls about “chirping” alarms.
Appliance residue leads to odors, performance issues, and tenant complaints within weeks. Running cleaning cycles now keeps machines running quietly and prevents “it smells” maintenance
tickets later.
A fresh filter protects the system, maintains airflow, and keeps utility bills reasonable.
120°F is hot enough for comfort, low enough to reduce scalding risk and utility waste. It’s a simple safety and efficiency standard that protects both the tenant and your equipment.
Test every burner, run the oven, dishwasher, washer and confirm the dryer actually dries. We can’t assume the previous tenant would have reported an issue, so verifying function firsthand is the only way to know everything truly works.
Heat is a legal requirement and one of the fastest ways to lose tenant confidence if it fails. Checking every zone or baseboard ensures warmth and prevents urgent winter calls.
Slow drains become emergency calls once hair, soap, and daily use add up. Confirming everything runs smoothly now keeps plumbing calls and tenant frustration low.
Even minor drips can double a water bill or cause unseen damage. Catching them now protects your property and keeps utility costs in check.
Once every checklist line is complete, finish strong: mark “Additional Repairs Needed?”
No = Unit meets Sagareus standards and is rent ready.
Yes = Obtain estimates immediately and schedule work before listing.
This last step closes the loop between inspection and readiness. It prevents vague “almost ready” units that linger vacant waiting for small fixes. Clear documentation protects your maintenance budget, your vendors’ time, and your tenants’ first impression.
Once the basics are covered, you can decide if upgrades are necessary and / or feasible.
Every efficient turnover starts with a consistent standard. Sagareus’ Rent Ready Checklist makes sure nothing slips through the cracks—and that you’re spending dollars wisely, not reactively.
👉 Download or adopt the Sagareus Rent Ready Checklist today
Because the best maintenance call is the one you never have to make.