Category: Property Management
Every day your unit sits empty costs money. The average vacancy costs property managers between $50-$200 per day in lost revenue. Yet the average make-ready process takes 7-14 days, and much of that time is wasted on forgotten details that trigger delays.
You know the scenario: Unit's "ready," you schedule the walkthrough, and then you spot it: that one forgotten thing that means another trip, another delay, another day of vacancy.
Here are the 15 things that consistently slip through the cracks during apartment turnovers, costing you time and money.
1. Smoke Detector and CO Detector Batteries
You test them. But did you replace the batteries? New tenants move in, detector chirps at 2 AM, you get an emergency call. Replace all batteries during make-ready, even if they're "working." It's a $5 fix that prevents middle-of-the-night calls.
2. Air Filter Replacement
Most property managers remember to check the HVAC works. Most forget to replace the filter. A clogged filter makes the system work harder, increases utility costs, and creates complaints about temperature within the first week. Replace it every turnover. Document it with a photo.
3. Light Bulbs in Every Single Fixture
You checked the overhead lights. But did you test the bathroom vanity? The closet? The range hood? That obscure fixture above the kitchen sink? Walk through at night with every light on. Replace every dead bulb. Tenants notice missing bulbs immediately and it screams "rushed job."
4. Cabinet Interiors and Door Frames
Your cleaning crew wiped down the surfaces. But open those kitchen cabinets. Run your hand along the top of the door frames. These spots collect grime and get missed in standard cleaning protocols. Sticky cabinet shelves and dusty door frames are among the top move-in complaints.
5. Thermostat Functionality (Not Just Power)
The thermostat lights up. Great. But does it actually trigger the system? Set it 5 degrees warmer, wait 3 minutes, does heat come out? Set it 5 degrees cooler, does AC kick in? A powered-but-broken thermostat is worse than an obviously broken one because it looks fine until tenants move in.
6. Window Locks and Operation
Windows open and close. But do all the locks work? Can tenants actually secure them? Broken window locks are security issues that require immediate attention once reported, triggering emergency maintenance calls. Test every lock on every window during make-ready.
7. Cabinet Hardware and Drawer Pulls
Missing screws. Loose handles. That one drawer pull that comes off in your hand. These seem minor until you're getting texts about them the first week. Tighten everything. Replace anything wobbly. Five minutes now saves dozens of minor maintenance requests later.
8. Baseboards and Trim
Nobody looks at baseboards during the initial walkthrough. Except tenants do, especially when they're moving furniture in. Cracked, damaged, or missing baseboards create an immediate impression of poor maintenance. Fill, sand, paint. Your unit will look dramatically better for minimal effort.
9. Under-Sink Cabinet Condition
Open every under-sink cabinet. Actually look. Water stains? Mildew smell? That faint dampness that indicates a slow leak? These spaces hide problems that become big issues. If there's any sign of water damage, investigate before the tenant moves in, not after.
10. Fire Extinguisher Accessibility and Inspection
You have extinguishers. But are they accessible? Inspected? Not expired? Many property managers know where extinguishers are but haven't checked the inspection date in years. Verify pressure gauge shows green. Confirm clear access. Document with photos for your records.
11. Proper Carpet Drying Time
Your crew shampooed the carpets yesterday. They look great. They're also still damp. Carpets need 2-24 hours to fully dry depending on humidity, ventilation, and material. Rushing this creates musty odors and potential mold issues. Schedule carpet cleaning early in the make-ready process, not last minute.
12. All Drain Stoppers and Plugs
Kitchen sink stopper: present. Bathroom sink stopper: missing. Tub drain plug: broken. These are cheap items that tenants need immediately and will request right away. Check every drain. Replace missing or broken stoppers. Keep spares in your maintenance inventory.
13. Refrigerator Drip Tray and Coils
You cleaned the fridge interior. But that drip tray underneath? Those coils in back? They're growing science experiments. A smelly fridge with a clean interior usually means forgotten drip tray. Clean or replace it. Vacuum the coils. Your tenants will appreciate the actually-clean fridge.
14. Hot Water Heater Testing
The hot water heater is in the closet. It looks fine. But did you actually run hot water for 5 minutes to verify it works? Temperature set correctly? Any signs of leaks around the base? Hot water problems reported on move-in day create terrible first impressions.
15. Documentation Photos Before Move-In
You did the walkthrough. Unit looks great. But did you photograph everything? The walls, appliances, floors, fixtures: from multiple angles? Detailed documentation protects you from damage disputes during move-out. Spend 15 minutes taking comprehensive photos. Future-you will be grateful.
The Speed-to-Market Advantage
Here's the reality: property managers who use systematic checklists reduce average turnover time by 30-40%. That's 3-6 days off your vacancy period. At $100/day vacancy cost, we're talking $300-$600 saved per turnover.
But more importantly, comprehensive make-ready work means fewer emergency maintenance calls in week one. New tenants aren't texting about missing light bulbs, broken drawer pulls, or chirping smoke detectors. They're settling in peacefully. You're maintaining other properties without interruption.
The goal isn't perfection. It's preventing predictable problems with systematic attention to commonly forgotten details.
Making This Checklist Work
Print this list. Laminate it. Hand it to your make-ready crew. Better yet, build it into your property management software as required checkboxes before a unit can be marked "ready."
The items on this list aren't difficult. They're not time-consuming. They're just easy to forget when you're coordinating multiple turnovers across multiple properties.
Your make-ready process is only as good as your worst forgotten detail. A beautiful paint job and pristine flooring mean nothing if the tenant's first experience is a chirping smoke detector at midnight.
Systematic attention to these 15 commonly forgotten items will reduce your vacancy time, minimize early-tenancy maintenance requests, and improve tenant satisfaction from day one.
Because every day matters when you're trying to keep units occupied and revenue flowing.
Need help creating a bulletproof make-ready process? Visit MH JaniJournal to learn how professional cleaning teams can handle comprehensive turnovers while you focus on leasing.