A thorough apartment make-ready checklist is the difference between a unit that leases in days and one that sits for weeks. Property managers who use a standardized, room-by-room process consistently deliver move-in ready units that pass inspection on the first try — and lease faster because prospective tenants see a clean, well-maintained space.
This checklist covers every room, every surface, and every detail that matters. Use it yourself, or hand it to your make-ready service provider as the standard for every rental unit turnover.
Use This Checklist for Every Turnover
Print it, save it, or share it with your make-ready crew. Consistency is what turns good units into rent-ready units.
Room-by-Room Make-Ready Checklist
Kitchen
- Clean oven interior, racks, and door glass
- Clean refrigerator interior, shelves, and drawers (defrost if needed)
- Clean microwave interior and exterior
- Wipe all cabinet interiors and exteriors
- Clean countertops and backsplash thoroughly
- Scrub sink and polish faucet
- Clean garbage disposal and drain
- Wipe all light switches and outlet covers
- Sweep and mop floors
- Check and replace any damaged cabinet hardware
Bathrooms
- Scrub tub/shower walls, floor, and fixtures
- Clean toilet inside, outside, and base
- Wipe vanity, sink, and polish faucet
- Clean mirror and light fixtures
- Scrub tile and grout lines
- Refresh caulking around tub, sink, and toilet base
- Clean exhaust fan cover
- Wipe all light switches and outlet covers
- Sweep and mop floors
- Check for leaks under sink and around toilet
Living & Bedrooms
- Dust and wipe all baseboards and trim
- Clean window sills, tracks, and glass
- Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Vacuum and wipe closet interiors and shelves
- Clean all door frames and handles
- Patch and touch up wall scuffs and nail holes
- Check and replace damaged outlet covers and switch plates
- Vacuum carpet thoroughly (or mop hard floors)
- Remove all cobwebs from corners and ceilings
- Check smoke and CO detectors — replace batteries if needed
Entry & Exterior
- Clean front door interior and exterior
- Wipe door frame and threshold
- Clean porch light fixture
- Sweep porch, patio, or balcony
- Check doorbell functionality
- Verify all locks work smoothly — rekey before new tenant
- Remove any debris or leaves from entry area
- Check mailbox condition and numbering
Repairs & Touch-Ups Checklist
Cleaning gets the unit looking fresh. Repairs get it functioning perfectly. Here is what to check and fix during every vacant unit make-ready:
Walls & Drywall
- Patch nail holes and small dings
- Repair larger drywall damage
- Touch up paint or repaint if needed
- Check for water stains on ceilings
Flooring
- Repair or replace damaged carpet sections
- Fix vinyl tears or bubbles
- Clean grout on tile floors
- Check for squeaky subfloors
Fixtures & Hardware
- Replace worn cabinet pulls and handles
- Fix or replace loose door handles
- Tighten loose towel bars and toilet paper holders
- Replace damaged outlet and switch covers
Plumbing & Electrical
- Fix dripping faucets
- Repair running toilets
- Clear slow drains
- Test all outlets and light switches
- Replace burned-out bulbs
Surface Restoration: The Make-Ready Secret Weapon
Some surfaces look worn but do not need full replacement. Professional surface restoration can save days of downtime and thousands of dollars per unit:
Bathtub Reglazing
Cost: $300–$600
Time: 1 day
Like-new finish, 70% savings vs. replacement
Countertop Resurfacing
Cost: $400–$800
Time: 1 day
Restores laminate to fresh appearance
Cabinet Refacing
Cost: $200–$500
Time: 1 day
New look without full replacement
Final Walkthrough: The 5-Minute Inspection
Before calling a unit rent-ready, do a final walkthrough with fresh eyes. Walk in the front door as if you are a prospective tenant seeing the unit for the first time:
- Does the unit smell clean and fresh? (No lingering odors from pets, smoke, or cooking)
- Are all surfaces free of dust, hair, and debris?
- Do all lights work when you flip the switches?
- Does water run clear from all faucets?
- Do all doors open, close, and lock smoothly?
- Are there any visible scuffs, marks, or damage you missed?
- Would you want to live here?
If the answer to the last question is not an immediate yes, the unit is not ready. A professional make-ready service will catch these details before you do — that is why experienced property managers use one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in apartment make-ready services?
Apartment make-ready services include deep cleaning of all rooms, drywall repair, touch-up painting, caulking refresh, hardware replacement, minor plumbing and electrical repairs, and surface restoration like bathtub reglazing. The goal is to bring every unit to move-in ready condition.
How long does a make-ready service take?
A standard apartment make-ready service takes 1–2 days when handled by a single experienced crew. Units requiring extensive repairs or full repainting may take 2–3 days. Elite Unit Group completes most make-ready work in 24–48 hours as part of a full turnover service.
What is the difference between make-ready cleaning and standard cleaning?
Make-ready cleaning is a comprehensive, move-in standard cleaning that goes far beyond standard maid service. It includes appliance interiors, cabinet interiors, baseboards, window tracks, light fixtures, closet interiors, and odor removal — everything needed to pass a move-in inspection.
Need a Make-Ready Crew You Can Trust?
Elite Unit Group provides complete apartment make-ready services — deep cleaning, repairs, painting, and surface restoration — all handled by one crew in 24–48 hours.
