Phase 1 — Move-out walkthrough (before cleaning)
- Photograph every room before any work begins (date-stamped)
- Note existing damage: carpet stains, wall holes, fixture damage
- Check smoke and CO detectors — replace batteries, test all alarms
- Verify HVAC filter date — replace if older than 90 days
- Confirm all tenant belongings removed (closets, cabinets, storage)
- Check for pest evidence: droppings, webs, roach traces
- Test every window and slider — smooth operation, locks, screens
- Check every water fixture for leaks, drips, slow drains
Phase 2 — Deep cleaning (kitchen, bath, living spaces)
Kitchen
- Degrease range hood, filters, and vent screens
- Clean oven interior, racks, and broiler pan
- Pull and clean behind refrigerator; wipe coils
- Sanitize inside of dishwasher, run clean cycle
- Scrub countertops, backsplash, and grout lines
- Clean inside all cabinets and drawers
- Polish stainless appliances (grain direction)
- Replace any burnt-out bulbs
Bathroom
- Scrub tile grout, regrout visible gaps if needed
- Descale shower head, faucets, drain covers
- Clean exhaust fan cover and blades
- Polish mirrors and fixtures streak-free
- Reseal tub/shower caulking if yellowed or cracked
- Replace toilet seat if worn
- Sanitize vanity interior and drawers
Living spaces and bedrooms
- Clean baseboards, crown molding, door frames
- Wipe all light switches and outlet covers
- Clean ceiling fan blades and light fixtures
- Vacuum window tracks, clean screens, wash glass
- Steam clean all carpet, treat any stains
- Mop hardwood/vinyl with floor-appropriate cleaner
- Clean closet interiors, shelves, and rods
- Wipe down HVAC vents and returns
Phase 3 — Painting and wall prep
- Identify all scuff marks, scratches, and holes over 1/4"
- Patch drywall holes with mesh + joint compound
- Sand patches smooth, prime spots
- Match existing wall paint color (flat or eggshell)
- Touch-up or full repaint per wall condition
- Cut clean lines at ceilings and baseboards
- Paint closet interiors if marked
- Allow full cure before next tenant showing
Phase 4 — Repairs and hardware
- Replace any broken outlets, switches, or faceplates
- Tighten loose cabinet hinges and drawer pulls
- Replace damaged blinds or shades
- Fix any door latches, strike plates, or handle-sets that don't close cleanly
- Caulk gaps around baseboards if separated from wall
- Replace cracked window glass or screens
- Rekey or replace entry door locks
- Test every lock (deadbolt, knob, window latches)
- Verify all remotes (garage, intercom) are returned and working
Phase 5 — Final walkthrough + documentation
- Full photo pass: 12+ inspection points (kitchen, bath, every room, closets, patio)
- Verify every lightbulb works
- Test every water tap and toilet flush
- Run HVAC on both heat and cool for 15 minutes
- Confirm all trash and debris removed from property
- Lock and verify all entry points
- Deliver photo report and itemized invoice to landlord
- Mark unit "rent-ready" in system
Copy this checklist for your vendor
This list runs roughly 150 inspection points when you expand every sub-item. You can hand it to any vendor, but coordinating cleaners, painters, and handymen around the LA traffic and scheduling reality usually costs more than booking it as a bundle. TurnOver LA runs this full checklist on every job for a single flat-rate price — Studio $225, 1BR $255, 2BR $335, 3BR+ $425.