Top 5 Tips for a Seamless Turn: A Student Housing Manifesto by EZOS

At EZOS, we’ve helped student housing teams across the country streamline their turn processes using smart systems and operational discipline. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or coordinating your first student housing turn, success depends on preparation, leadership, and clear communication. Here are our top five field-tested strategies to help your team thrive during turn season.

1. Set Clear Expectations with Vendors

Your vendors are a direct reflection of your team’s performance. Set the tone early with clear, structured communication:

• Specify preferred communication channels (e.g., text, phone, platform messaging).

• Conduct an initial walkthrough of a model or vacant unit to review common issues and quality benchmarks.

• Personally inspect the first 4–5 completed units to align on standards and open up a feedback loop. Early engagement builds trust and ensures consistency.

  
  

2. Proactively Address Move-Out Charges with Residents

Reduce surprises and complaints by sending a pre-move-out reminder:

• Email residents approximately two weeks before move-out, outlining common charges and cleaning expectations.

• This small step helps residents make informed choices — and supports your team’s efforts in managing disputes and improving charge recovery.

  
  

3. Keep Your Team Hydrated, Energized, and Motivated

Turn is a grind. Show your team that you value their work:

• Provide cold beverages, snacks, and convenient meals throughout the day.

• Acknowledging their effort in tangible ways reinforces morale and fosters a culture of respect and recognition.

4. Turn Mid-Summer Inspections into Training Opportunities

Early move-outs present a powerful chance to sharpen your team’s skills:

• Use these units to train your damage assessment teams on real-life scenarios.

• Encourage your office team to shadow maintenance staff — these hands-on experiences build cross-functional understanding and operational agility.

5. Lead with Energy and Composure

Leadership sets the tone for the entire team:

• Stay focused, present, and positive. Turn can be stressful, but your ability to lead with clarity and calm directly impacts team morale.

• Culture is contagious. Be the example your team mirrors.

Final Word

At EZOS, we believe operational excellence during turn season is driven by leadership, proactive communication, and thoughtful systems. Our technology exists to help your team stay organized, meet high standards, and deliver consistent results — no matter the scale.