Make-ready

Make-ready is the work between one tenant moving out and the next moving in. It usually includes a deep clean, paint touch-ups, carpet or floor care, small repairs, lock changes and a check of safety items like smoke detectors. The goal is a rent-ready home.

It is also where the deposit decision starts. At move-out, an inspector compares the home with the original move-in inspection. The cost of repairing real damage can come from the security deposit. The cost of ordinary aging, covered in normal wear and tear, falls to the owner.

Speed matters because every empty day is lost rent. A good manager lines up vendors and orders materials before the tenant leaves, so work can start on day one. Ask what the make-ready process is, who approves costs and how long it usually takes. Our rent-ready guide shows what the finished home should look like.