Chicago landords: how do you manage lease start / end dates?

[Joey Nakayama]

An overwhelming majority of Chicago leases start on the 1st of the month and expire at the end of the month, which can cause chaos when tenants move in and out. 

How do you manage this? Do you count on vacancy between tenants? Do you hustle to turn a unit around in less than 24 hours?

[Brie Schmidt]

My leases always end at noon the last day of the month.  I charge $55 per patch and sand so I advise that they do it beforehand, they usually do.  I also charge a ton for cleaning so I highly recommend they hire a professional, they usually do.  They leave keys in the lockbox when they are out at noon.  

Cleaners come at noon and use the keys in the lockox and are done by 3pm.  I already make note of what is needed during my final walkthrough so I show up at 3pm with blinds/toilet paper holder/ect - whatever they broke.  I spent 30-45 minutes changing that out.  All my buildings are the same paint color so I go from room to room with a roller covering any marks.  Take a paintbrush and do the same to the trim.  Usually done by 5pm