Getting a unit rent-ready isn’t just about cleaning and repairs. It’s about positioning your property to stand out and attract high-quality tenants quickly. A strategic make-ready process minimizes downtime, ensures a better tenant experience, and protects long-term rental income.
Why Make-Ready Matters
Every day a unit sits empty is lost income. Units that are cleaned, repaired, and inspected before being marketed rent faster and for more money. A well-executed make-ready process is one of the simplest ways to reduce vacancy and increase tenant satisfaction.
Core Elements of a Successful Make-Ready Process
- Thorough Cleaning: Cleanliness sets the first impression. Units should be deep cleaned from top to bottom: floors, appliances, cabinets, fixtures, windows, and every corner. A spotless apartment signals professionalism and care, which helps attract responsible renters.
- Timely Repairs and Maintenance: Any outstanding repairs or maintenance issues should be resolved before listing. This includes fixing leaks, replacing broken hardware or fixtures, addressing appliance issues, and ensuring all systems function properly. Taking care of these tasks in advance prevents delays and complaints after move-in.
- Fresh Paint and Finishing Touches: Fresh paint or touch-ups brighten and modernize a space. Even a neutral repaint can give the unit a refreshed, updated look. Well-maintained walls also signal that the property is taken care of and help make a positive visual impact in listings and tours.
- Safety and Code Compliance Checks: Before any unit is listed, it should be evaluated for safety. That means testing smoke detectors, checking locks, confirming proper lighting, and completing any required city inspections. These checks not only protect tenants—they help owners avoid liability and costly fines.
- Final Walkthrough and Quality Assurance: Before a unit is officially ready to rent, a final walkthrough helps ensure nothing is overlooked. This step allows time to catch small details, from scuffed walls to missing outlet covers, that could affect the showing experience or first impression for potential tenants.
How a Make-Ready Plan Speeds Up Leasing
A consistent make-ready process does more than prepare a unit for listing. It accelerates every other part of the leasing process:
- Professional marketing photos can be taken immediately when the unit looks its best.
- Showings and virtual tours can begin without delay.
- Applications and tenant placement move faster because there’s no waiting on repairs or updates.
The result? Less downtime, fewer gaps between tenants, and stronger returns.
Available With or Without Management Services
Make-ready services are often bundled into full-service property management, but many investors and property owners choose to use them as a standalone offering. Whether you manage your properties yourself or partner with a third party, having access to a reliable make-ready process is a valuable tool.
If your units aren’t renting as fast as they should, take a look at the preparation process. Speed, presentation, and efficiency at this stage make a measurable difference in leasing results.
Botanical Property Management offers thorough, reliable make-ready services across the St. Louis area. Whether your property needs a light refresh or a more comprehensive turnover, we can help get it market-ready, fast.
