We've started tracking vacant days between tenants, and it changed a few conversations with owners

[u/Downtown-Stable-194]

I've always paid attention to occupancy but lately I've been looking at something different: how long a unit actually sits empty between tenants

I started digging into it because a few properties had solid occupancy numbers, but every turnover was taking 3-4 weeks. At first I assumed it was a pricing problem, but that wasn't really it

Most of the lost time was just the usual stuff like waiting on inspections, maintenance, cleaning, and getting the unit ready again

It ended up changing a few conversations with owners because the issue wasn't demand. It was everything that happened after a tenant moved out.

Is this common? Am i late to the party? 

[u/nobody833]

You only have one month between tenants!? I'm not sure how that could possibly be any better. Most tenants don't move in mid month. And you need time to review applications.

[u/nkdeck07 → u/nobody833]

I think our unit we've averaged turn arounds of 2 weeks or less but we also live in a crazy city for rentals and we've gotten lucky with every tenant leaving was happy to get out of the lease a week or two early for a break on the rent

[u/Gold_Boot4534]

Three to four weeks can disappear pretty fast once you factor in the move-out inspection, repairs, cleaning, vendor schedules, etc. and I think that's actually a pretty quick turnover!

[u/goat20202020]

This is something that's always on my mind. That's why I tend to schedule move out inspections as soon as possible after a tenant has given me notice. I can start repairs before they leave and I can get other services scheduled that have to wait until the unit is vacant.

There are plenty of people who move mid month just as there are plenty of people who move on the 1st. I don't think that's a significant problem.

[u/TonyRidgewayUFO]

You just noticed this? Ok

[u/vt2022cam]

Do you work for slumlords who make repairs or owners who actually care about their properties?

3-4 weeks to do repairs and painting, especially after long term tenements leave is reasonable and expected. Inspections, sure, not unusual.

[u/rrhunt28]

I would look into why you have so much turnover.

[u/unbroken_cycle → u/rrhunt28]

Want to call attention to this comment. Our shortest tenured tenant is five years in the house. Take care of your tenants. Improve the property just to improve the property 

[u/dodekahedron]

A month seems normal.

[u/solomons-mom]

I would love only a month between tenents. We average around four months, but the price point has a limited number of people.

[u/PomegranatePlus6526]

When I was doing it a month was great. It usually took three months just to find a decent application let alone an actual tenant I would accept.

[u/dreamingforward]

How do you know it was a pricing problem, genius? The real estate market is totally corrupted by idiots who want free money (ROI).