Being a landlord isn’t a side gig - it’s a business. You’re managing assets, customers, cash flow, and long-term returns. Whether you own one unit or ten, each property is part of your financial ecosystem, and how you manage it determines your success.
That’s what we call the Landlord Lifecycle - the repeatable process every landlord experiences, from listing a property to moving tenants out and preparing for the next lease. When managed well, it’s not just maintenance - it’s growth.
With TurboTenant, you gain the tools and confidence to run your rentals like a professional business, all in one platform.
Attracting Tenants - Market Your Property
Every rental journey starts here - with your property and the story you tell about it. A strong listing helps you attract great tenants faster and cut down on vacancy time.
In this stage, you’ll:
Add clear, detailed information and great photos
Turn on marketing to publish your listing to top rental sites
TurboTip: Use TurboTenant’s AI Listing Generator to write a professional, eye-catching description automatically - it’s like having a copywriter on your team.
Goal: Get your property seen and start building interest from qualified renters.
Applications & Screening
Once the applications start coming in, it’s time to find your ideal tenant - someone who’s reliable, communicative, and a good fit for your property.
In this stage, you’ll:
Review applications and screening reports (vetting them is crucial!!)
Check income and rental history
Compare applicants fairly and confidently
TurboTenant makes this easy:
You can send applications and full screening reports right from your account - including credit, criminal, and eviction checks - all in one place.
Goal: Choose the right tenant with confidence, based on real data and clear information.
Leases & Addendums
Once you’ve found your tenant, you’ll move into the most important part of the process - setting expectations in writing.
In this stage, you’ll:
Create a lease that outlines the rent, dates, and policies
Send it for an electronic signature
Use addendums to handle any updates (like adding a pet or roommate)
TurboTip: TurboTenant’s state-specific, lawyer-approved leases make it easy to stay compliant and professional - even if it’s your first time creating one.
TurboTenant allows you to upload your own lease agreement! Run it through our AI-Lease Agreement Audit tool to make sure it is compliant and up to date!
Goal: Protect both you and your tenant by setting clear terms from the start.
Set Up Payments & Stay Organized
Here’s where your rental turns into a real operation - money coming in, expenses going out, and everything in between.
Even if you only have one property, keeping good records and clear payment habits helps you stay on top of your finances (and your stress).
In this stage, you’ll:
Track one-time payments like deposits or late fees
Keep a record of all transactions in one place
Goal: Keep your rental finances simple, predictable, and well-documented.
Managing Money Made Simple - TurboTenant Accounting
When rent starts coming in, it’s easy to think you’re done. But staying organized with your income and expenses is one of the most important parts of being a landlord - it’s what keeps your property profitable year after year. That’s why bookkeeping matters.
It’s not just about tracking numbers - it’s about knowing where your money goes, staying prepared for tax season, and understanding how your rental is performing over time.
TurboTenant Accounting makes this simple. It’s designed for landlords. No spreadsheets. No guesswork. Just clear, automatic tracking of your property’s finances in one place.
Here’s what it helps you do:
See every rent payment and expense in one place.
Track cash flow across all your properties. Know which rentals are profitable, which need attention, and where you can grow.
Simplify tax time. Organize your income and expenses by IRS categories, making year-end reporting stress-free.
Save time and reduce mistakes. Skip the manual entry - TurboTenant does the math for you.
TurboTip: Think of Accounting as your property’s health checkup. When your books are organized, you can make smarter decisions, avoid surprises, and plan for long-term success.
Goal: Turn your rental finances into insight, not guesswork - and feel confident that your numbers tell the story of a thriving business.
Manage Maintenance & Communication
Once your tenant moves in, the real work begins - keeping your property in good condition and maintaining a good relationship.
Every landlord knows: maintenance requests never come at a convenient time. But how you handle them can make all the difference in your tenant’s experience and your long-term peace of mind.
In this stage, you’ll:
Receive maintenance requests directly from your tenant
Review details, add notes, and track progress
Coordinate with contractors or handle repairs yourself
Keep a written record of every repair and resolution
TurboTenant helps you stay organized:
Tenants can submit maintenance requests online (no more texts or lost emails)
You can add notes, upload receipts, and track repair costs right in your dashboard
Everything stays documented - from the first request to the final fix
TurboTip: Quick responses build trust. Even if you can’t fix it right away, acknowledging the request promptly goes a long way with tenants.
Goal: Keep your property in great shape and your tenant relationships positive - with clear records and less stress.
Move-Out & Renewal
Every lease comes to an end, but that’s just another beginning in the Landlord Lifecycle. Whether your tenant renews or moves on, a clean, organized transition sets you up for the next success.
In this stage, you’ll:
Handle move-out inspections and deposits
Close the lease in TurboTenant
Refresh your listing and start marketing again
TurboTip: Use this stage to reflect on what worked and what didn’t - small adjustments here can make your next lease even smoother.
Goal: End one lease smoothly and get ready for the next with less downtime.
Stay Compliant with Laws and Regulations
Every state has different landlord–tenant laws, covering everything from rent increases to notice requirements. Staying compliant keeps your rental business professional, protects you legally, and builds tenant trust.
At every stage, you’ll want to:
Follow state and local housing laws
Keep accurate records of payments and communication
Use required forms and disclosures
Handle deposits, notices, and evictions properly
TurboTip: Compliance isn’t complicated when you stay proactive. Regularly reviewing your lease and policies keeps your rental running smoothly.
Need clarity on your state’s rules? The TurboTenant Law Library is your quick reference guide to landlord–tenant laws nationwide.
Disclaimer: TurboTenant is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information provided is for educational purposes only. You should consult local laws or a qualified attorney to ensure compliance with state and local regulations.
🌱 Keep the Cycle Going
Being a landlord means managing a constant cycle of people, payments, and property - and learning a little more each time you go through it.
With TurboTenant, you’re never starting from scratch. You’re building a process that saves you time, keeps you organized, and helps you treat your rental like the meaningful investment it is.
Upgrade to Premium for tools that make every stage even easier - from AI-powered marketing to advanced rent collection and accounting.