Tenant turnover is one of the most expensive and underestimated costs in real estate investing — especially here in Kelowna where vacancy rates fluctuate and competition can be stiff.
Every time a tenant moves out, you’re faced with downtime, cleaning, repairs, marketing, and more. And if you make the wrong moves during that transition period, your rental ROI can take a serious hit.
At Vantage West Property Management, we’ve handled hundreds of turnovers for Okanagan landlords. Here are the top tenant turnover mistakes to avoid — and what to do instead.
1. Underestimating Turnover Costs
Many landlords assume turnover just means a quick clean and a new lease. In reality, the average turnover can cost $1,000 to $4,000+, once you factor in:
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Deep cleaning
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Carpet and appliance refresh
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Painting and touch-ups
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Lock changes
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Marketing and showings
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Days or weeks without rent
Pro Tip: Budget for turnover just like you would for repairs. We recommend setting aside 5–10% of your annual rental income to cover the unexpected.
2. Rushing the Re-Rental Process
It’s tempting to fill the vacancy fast — but accepting the first applicant without proper screening often leads to:
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Higher risk of property damage
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Missed rent or late payments
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Another turnover in a few months
What to Do Instead:
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Run thorough background and credit checks
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Verify employment and income
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Check past landlord references
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Watch for red flags in the application process
We offer full tenant screening services that help our Kelowna landlords avoid costly future evictions or damage claims.
3. Skipping Proper Cleaning & Repairs
First impressions matter — especially in competitive markets like Kelowna. Dirty baseboards, scuffed walls, or leftover smells can make your property harder to rent, reducing your rental price or increasing days on market.
Your Turnover Checklist Should Include:
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Deep clean of all rooms and appliances
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Carpet or flooring refresh (or replacement if needed)
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Paint touch-ups or full repaint
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Hardware checks (door locks, faucets, smoke detectors)
Tenants will treat your unit the way it’s presented. A clean, fresh property invites better care — and better tenants.
4. Not Timing Your Turnover Strategically
One of the most overlooked mistakes? Ending a lease at the wrong time of year. In Kelowna, late spring and summer are the most active months for rental searches.
If your turnover happens in late fall or winter, you may face:
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Fewer applicants
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Longer vacancy periods
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Lower rental rates due to supply/demand
Solution: When possible, aim for lease end dates between April and August, and avoid month-to-month leases that let tenants leave at awkward times.
Learn more: Best Month To Rent A Home in Kelowna, BC
5. Failing to Document the Condition Properly
Move-in and move-out inspections are not just a formality — they’re your first line of defense against damage disputes and deposit claims.
Common documentation mistakes:
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No timestamped photos
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Incomplete inspection forms
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No tenant signature on the move-in condition report
In BC, proper documentation is essential to withhold any portion of the damage deposit legally. Without it, you’re out of pocket.
Vantage West provides detailed, documented inspections for every managed property — so you’re always protected.
6. Setting the Wrong Rental Rate
Renting too high can lead to extended vacancies. Renting too low? You leave money on the table every single month.
What BC Landlords Often Miss:
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Not researching current market trends
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Relying on old comps or emotional pricing
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Ignoring seasonal fluctuations in demand
How We Help:
We run a detailed market analysis before each turnover to ensure you’re priced competitively — balancing quick occupancy with strong ROI.
7. Trying to Do Everything Yourself
Turnovers require coordination — cleaners, tradespeople, marketers, showings, paperwork, and more. Doing it yourself may save money upfront, but it costs time, energy, and often efficiency.
Missed showings, delays in repairs, or poor advertising can extend your vacancy and damage your returns.
Consider this:
Hiring a professional property manager can streamline the entire turnover process — from repairs to rent-ready — saving you money over the long run.
How to Protect Your ROI During Turnover
Here’s what smart Kelowna landlords do:
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Plan for turnover before it happens
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Use professional-grade cleaning, marketing, and screening
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Time leases strategically
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Document everything
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Get expert pricing help
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Delegate to experienced property managers
Let Vantage West Help You Turn Over Faster, Smarter, and More Profitably
At Vantage West Property Management, we’ve helped hundreds of Kelowna property owners minimize the stress and expense of tenant turnover.
From detailed move-out inspections and repairs to marketing and tenant placement, we handle everything — so your property spends less time vacant and more time earning.
Call 250-868-3151 or email rentals@vantagewestrealty.com to learn how we can maximize your rental returns in 2025 and beyond.