Make-Ready Services
Everything needed to reset a vacant unit — deep cleaning, HVAC service, appliance testing, and more. One crew, one visit, move-in ready.
One Crew Resets Every Vacant Unit
When a tenant moves out, property managers need more than a cleaning crew. You need a team that handles every step of the reset — deep cleaning, appliance testing, HVAC filter replacement, lock re-key, and odor remediation — all in one visit. That is what make-ready services deliver.
Standard cleaning maintains a space that is already clean. Make-ready services reset a unit after a tenant has lived in it — addressing built-up grease in the oven, soap scum in the shower, grime in cabinet interiors, testing every appliance, replacing the HVAC filter, re-keying all locks, and remediating any odors. It is a complete reset with documented results, not a maintenance clean.
Make-ready services are scheduled after trash-out and junk removal are complete, and before drywall repair and painting begin. This sequence matters — the unit must be empty for thorough cleaning and appliance testing, and cleaning dust must not contaminate fresh paint. Our crew arrives with commercial-grade equipment, works through a detailed checklist, and does not leave until every item is documented and the unit is move-in ready.
We use EPA Safer Choice certified cleaning products whenever possible to ensure safe, effective cleaning that protects both your property and future tenants. Our methods comply with California tenant habitability standards, ensuring your units meet all legal requirements for cleanliness, safety, and air quality. After make-ready is complete, we coordinate with interior preservation and rental unit repairs so the entire turnover sequence runs without gaps or delays.
What's Included — by Category
Every make-ready includes core services. Add-ons are selected per-unit based on condition.
Kitchen Detail
Deep cleaning and degreasing of all kitchen surfaces and appliances. We clean inside and out, removing built-up grease, food residue, and grime to make your kitchen sparkle like new.
- • Appliance degreasing inside and out
- • Refrigerator deep cleaning
- • Oven and stovetop scrubbing
- • Cabinet interior and exterior cleaning
- • Countertop and backsplash detail
- • Sink and faucet polishing
Bathrooms
Complete bathroom sanitizing with deep scrubbing of all fixtures and surfaces. We tackle soap scum, hard water stains, and grout discoloration to make bathrooms shine.
- • Shower and tub deep scrubbing
- • Toilet sanitizing and polishing
- • Grout line cleaning and brightening
- • Mirror and fixture polishing
- • Vanity and cabinet cleaning
- • Floor tile scrubbing
Surfaces
Detailed cleaning of often-overlooked surfaces that make a big difference in how clean a unit feels. We clean baseboards, window tracks, light fixtures, and all the details.
- • Baseboard wiping and cleaning
- • Window track and sill cleaning
- • Light fixture dusting and wiping
- • Ceiling fan blade cleaning
- • Door and frame wiping
- • Switch plate and outlet cleaning
Floor Care
Thorough vacuuming and professional mopping of all hard surfaces using appropriate cleaners for each floor type. We remove dirt, stains, and residue to leave floors clean and shining.
- • Complete vacuuming of all floors
- • Professional mopping with proper cleaners
- • Hardwood floor care and polishing
- • Tile and grout floor cleaning
- • Vinyl and laminate floor cleaning
- • Carpet spot treatment when needed
Appliance Check & Testing
Every appliance is tested for function and safety before the unit is declared move-in ready. Results are documented in the job report for your records.
- • Stove / oven function test
- • Dishwasher cycle run
- • Disposal test & flush
- • Refrigerator temp check
- • Pass / fail documented in job report
HVAC Filter Replacement
Fresh air filter on every turn. We replace the filter, note the size for your records, and confirm the system is functioning properly.
- • Remove & replace air filter
- • Note filter size for records
- • Vent covers wiped down
- • Thermostat function check
Lock Re-Key / Smart Lock
Security is non-negotiable. We re-key all entry locks and reset smart lock codes, delivering new keys directly to the property manager.
- • Re-key all entry locks
- • Smart lock code reset (if applicable)
- • New keys cut & delivered to PM
- • Mailbox key check
Odor Remediation
Persistent pet or smoke odors require more than surface cleaning. We use professional-grade treatments to neutralize odors at the source.
- • Ozone treatment for pet / smoke odors
- • Enzyme spray for urine sub-floor penetration
- • Odor clearance confirmed before job close
Window Screen Repair
Damaged screens are a common move-out issue. We replace torn screens, straighten frames, and clean tracks so windows function properly.
- • Torn screens replaced
- • Frames straightened
- • Tracks cleaned and lubricated
How It Fits Into Your Turn Sequence
Trash-Out Complete
Unit is cleared before the make-ready crew arrives. No debris, no furniture, no obstacles.
Make-Ready Services
Deep clean, HVAC, appliances, lock re-key, odor treatment — all in one visit by one crew.
Drywall & Paint
Repairs and paint after cleaning so fresh surfaces stay clean and pristine.
Flooring & Resurfacing
Floors, tub reglaze, countertop — the final cosmetic touches go in last.
Photo Report Sent
Before & after documentation texted or emailed for your owner report.
Why Property Managers Choose Our Make-Ready Services
Full Checklist Ownership
We work from an industry-standard PM checklist. You don't manage scope — we handle every item and document it.
Lock Re-Key Included
Most cleaning vendors skip this. We include it as a standard safety step on every make-ready.
HVAC Filter on Every Turn
CA habitability standard. Documented on the job report every time — no exceptions.
One Invoice for Everything
Cleaning, appliances, locks, screens — one line item, not four vendors to coordinate and pay.
Photo Report for Your File
Timestamped before/after for owner reports and deposit disputes. Delivered same day.
Make-Ready Services FAQs
What does make-ready services include?
Our make-ready services include core services that are always included: kitchen detail, bathroom sanitizing, surface restoration, floor care, appliance check and testing, HVAC filter replacement, and lock re-key. Add-on services selected per unit include odor remediation and window screen repair. Everything is completed by one crew in one visit.
How is make-ready service different from standard cleaning?
Standard cleaning maintains a space that is already clean. Make-ready services reset a vacant unit after a tenant has moved out — addressing built-up grease, soap scum, grime, testing all appliances, replacing HVAC filters, re-keying locks, and remediating odors. It is a complete reset with documented results, not a maintenance clean.
When in the turnover process should make-ready services be scheduled?
Make-ready services should happen after trash-out and junk removal are complete, and before drywall repair and painting begin. This sequence ensures the unit is empty when cleaning happens, and that cleaning dust and debris do not contaminate fresh paint or new flooring.
How long does make-ready service take?
A standard 1-2 bedroom apartment typically takes 4-6 hours for a thorough make-ready service. Larger units or units requiring odor remediation or additional add-ons may take longer. We provide time estimates when you request a quote.
Does make-ready include lock re-key?
Yes. Lock re-key is included as a core step on every make-ready we perform. We re-key all entry locks, reset smart lock codes if applicable, cut new keys for the incoming tenant, and deliver a set to the property manager. This is a non-negotiable safety step that many cleaning-only vendors skip.
Do you replace HVAC filters on every turn?
Yes. HVAC filter replacement is included as a standard item on every make-ready. We note the filter size in the job report so you have it on file for future turns. Vent covers are wiped down and thermostat function is confirmed.
Complete Your Turnover with Related Services
Make-ready services work best when combined with our other turnover services. Get your unit completely rent-ready with one crew.
Unit Clearing & Trash-Outs
Clear the unit first so make-ready services can begin. Fast property clearing and debris removal.
Learn MoreRental Unit Repairs
Electrical, plumbing, hardware, safety checks, and handyman punch lists — done alongside make-ready for maximum efficiency.
Learn MoreApartment Turnovers
The complete turnover package — interior repairs, cosmetic refresh, and make-ready all in one visit.
Learn MoreMake-Ready Services Throughout California
We provide professional make-ready services for rental properties across California — from Sacramento and the Central Valley to the Bay Area and Northern foothills. Same crew, same standard, within 100 miles of Sacramento.
Ready for Move-In Ready Units?
Get your rental units reset and ready for new tenants — one crew, one visit