Make Ready Checklist

A unit turnover checklist for property managers and maintenance techs getting a vacant apartment or rental home ready for the next tenant.

Published October 18, 2026

Download PDF

Move-Out Inspection

Collect all keys, fobs, remotes and parking passes from the old tenant
Photograph and video every room, wall, floor and appliance
Turn on time stamps and compare against the move-in photos for the same unit.
Compare the unit to the move-in condition report
List damage beyond normal wear and tear for the deposit statement
Write the scope of work and order parts, flooring and appliances

Safety and Systems

Test every smoke alarm and replace batteries or expired units
Most smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years after the date printed on the back.
Test carbon monoxide alarms where there are gas appliances or an attached garage
Replace the HVAC filter and test heating and cooling
Check under sinks, around toilets and at the water heater for leaks
Test GFCI outlets in the kitchen, bathrooms and outdoors
Press TEST, confirm power cuts off, then press RESET.
Rekey or change all exterior door locks
Rekey mailbox locks too, if you control them.

Kitchen and Appliances

Run the oven, cooktop burners and range hood fan
Check the fridge and freezer hold temperature and the seals close tight
Run the dishwasher and garbage disposal through a full cycle
Check cabinet doors, drawers and hinges, and fix any that sag

Bathrooms

Flush each toilet and check it does not run or rock
Check caulk around tubs, showers and sinks, and recaulk if moldy or cracked
Test the exhaust fan and check drains run freely

Paint and Repairs

Patch holes from nails, anchors and wall mounts
Touch up or repaint walls, trim and doors
In homes built before 1978, use an EPA lead-safe certified firm for paint work that disturbs more than 6 sq ft per room inside.
Replace burnt-out bulbs and broken switch or outlet covers
Fix window screens, blinds, door stops and closet doors
Repair or replace damaged flooring and carpet

Deep Clean and Pest Check

Clean inside the oven, fridge, microwave, cabinets and drawers
Scrub tubs, showers, toilets, tile and grout
Wipe baseboards, doors, light fixtures, vents and windowsills
Shampoo or replace carpet and mop hard floors
Look for droppings, roaches, ants and bed bug signs and treat if found
Check behind the fridge and stove and under the sinks, where pests hide first.

Final Walk-Through and Keys

Walk every room with the checklist and confirm all work is done
Test each new key in every lock
Set the thermostat and leave lights in a standard setting
Keep power and water on in the owner's name until the new lease starts
Take final photos to use for the next move-in condition report

Unit and Vendor Sign-Off

Unit: ____ Move-out date: ____ Ready date: ____
Vendors used (paint / clean / carpet / pest): ____
Open items and who owns them: ____
Inspected by: ____ Date: ____ Status: Ready / Not ready ____

0 / 37 done

A make ready turns a vacant unit into one that is ready to rent. Start with a move-out inspection and photos. Then fix and test everything, paint, deep clean and check for pests. Finish with a final walk-through. Rekey the locks and set up utilities before the new tenant gets the keys.

This checklist follows the usual order of a turn, so each trade works on a finished surface. Repairs come before paint, paint before cleaning, and cleaning before the final inspection. It suits apartment communities, single-family rentals and small landlords.

The move-out photos and notes do two jobs. They set the scope of work for the turn, and they back up any deductions from the old tenant's security deposit. State laws set how fast you must return the deposit or send an itemized list, so start the inspection on move-out day.

FAQ

What does make ready mean in property management?

Make ready is the work done on a vacant unit between one tenant moving out and the next moving in. It covers inspection, repairs, paint, cleaning, safety checks and rekeying. A unit is called "made ready" when it passes the final walk-through and can be shown or leased.

How long should a make ready take?

A unit in good shape with paint touch-ups and a standard clean often takes 3 to 5 working days. Units that need flooring, appliances or major repairs take longer. Ordering parts and booking vendors on move-out day is the best way to cut the time.

Do I have to rekey locks between tenants?

Some states require it. Texas, for example, requires landlords to rekey within 7 days after a tenant moves out. Even where it is not law, rekeying is standard practice, because you cannot know how many copies of the old key exist.

Can I charge the old tenant for make ready costs?

You can deduct for damage beyond normal wear and tear, plus unpaid rent and other charges your lease and state law allow. Routine paint touch-ups, minor scuffs and carpet wear from normal use usually count as wear and tear. Dated photos from the move-out inspection support your deductions.

Built from public guidance and kept up to date — how we write our checklists. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.