What Kinds of Maintenance Should You Do During a Rental Turnover?
If you're a landlord in Cypress, Buena Park, or Lakewood, you know that turnovers are your golden opportunity to refresh your rental and make it shine for the next tenant. At PMI Patron, we manage homes throughout the Cypress area, and one of the most common questions we hear is: "What maintenance improvements should I do while the property is vacant?" Great question!
This blog is here to guide Cypress property owners through the most important maintenance tasks during a turnover, so your home is more appealing, more efficient to maintain, and ready to attract long-term, high-quality tenants.
1. Go Neutral, Stay Neutral
Neutral, neutral, neutral. We can’t say it enough. Your home needs neutral colors, neutral carpeting, neutral ceiling fans, and neutral paint. Why? Because renters want a clean slate where they can picture themselves living. Loud, bold, or overly personalized design choices can turn people away.
Paint: Should you paint? The answer is almost always YES. We recommend Swiss Coffee in eggshell for walls and semi-gloss for trim, baseboards, cabinets, and doors. You might love that deep red bathroom, but prospective renters may walk away because they can’t see past the color. Keep it neutral and future vacancies will be easier (and cheaper) to patch and refresh.
2. Replace That Carpet
Yes, we know carpet isn't cheap—but neither is a long vacancy. If your carpet has wear or stains now, imagine what it’ll look like in five years. Many renters in Cypress stay for 5+ years. You don’t want to replace carpet mid-tenancy, and worn flooring will turn off good renters. New, neutral mid-length carpet helps attract reliable tenants and makes your home look well cared for.
3. Skip Replacing the Water Heater (for Now)
Here’s one spot where you can save money: the water heater. If it’s old but still working, leave it in place. Water heaters might last 7 years or even 13+ years. Replace it only when it fails. Just be ready with a reliable plumber when that time comes. In Southern California, we don’t often see them go beyond 13 years, but when they do fail, they usually do it suddenly.
4. Inspect the Roof
This one’s a must: schedule a roof inspection. Many roofers offer free inspections hoping to earn your business. If it’s been more than 5 years since the last check-up, get one. Water damage from a roof leak can lead to major repairs and even legal liability if it affects a tenant’s personal property and you ignored known issues. If there are real repairs needed, make them now.
5. HVAC Service Is a Smart Move
During a vacancy, get your HVAC system serviced. Many companies run tune-up specials for under $150. It’s a small price for peace of mind. Make sure your technician checks the components and clears any blockages. You should change the filter yourself, but let the pros handle the inspection. Why? Because if tenants run into HVAC issues during extreme weather, they’ll want it fixed immediately and so will 100 other people calling the same HVAC company. Get ahead of the problem.
6. Trim the Trees
Out of sight, out of mind? Not with trees. They grow fast, and if they get near electrical lines or your roof, they can become dangerous. Take advantage of the vacancy to give your trees a solid trim. It’s easier to schedule work without tenants, and a good trim reduces long-term damage and maintenance costs.
7. Clean Thoroughly and Professionally
Don’t overlook deep cleaning. Even if the last tenants were tidy, hire a professional cleaning crew. A spotless home sets the tone for your next tenants and helps justify top-tier rent. Pay special attention to kitchens, bathrooms, baseboards, window tracks, and blinds.
8. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
California law requires these devices to be present and operational. Test all detectors, replace batteries, and upgrade units that are outdated. It’s a quick job that adds serious safety value.
9. Secure Windows and Screen Doors
Take the time to ensure that all windows have functioning locks and replace any broken or missing screen doors. These are budget-friendly upgrades that go a long way with tenant satisfaction. They also improve security and keep pests out, showing tenants that you care about the property’s upkeep.
10. Garbage Disposals: Keep or Toss?
Garbage disposals can be a point of debate among landlords. At PMI Patron, we’ve found that in higher-end rentals—those over $2,800 per month—tenants expect to have a garbage disposal. Yes, tenants may not treat disposals as gently as you would, but omitting one could hurt your rental’s appeal. Our advice? Keep it in, but protect yourself. Include a clause in your lease that states tenants are responsible for repair or replacement if they damage the unit. That way, you meet tenant expectations while limiting your long-term liability.
11. Don’t Forget Curb Appeal
First impressions count. Mow the lawn, plant some fresh flowers, replace a tired welcome mat, and sweep the entryway. Curb appeal influences how tenants perceive the rest of the home.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Cypress property management, taking a proactive approach during a vacancy is one of the smartest things you can do. A well-prepared home rents faster, attracts better tenants, and reduces costly maintenance during tenancy. At PMI Patron, we help homeowners like you maximize your investment with strategic maintenance planning and local know-how.
Need help preparing your home for the next tenant? Let us do the heavy lifting. CLICK HERE to schedule your free rental property assessment today with PMI Patron.
Bonus Resource: Watch our video on “What is a Rent Ready Home” to make sure you don’t miss a step!
