Property managers handle fast-paced turnovers, tight budgets, and strict compliance timelines. Make-ready services exist to simplify that process. These services prepare a rental unit—home or apartment—for a new resident by restoring it to a clean, safe, move-in-ready condition.

While every property is unique, the goal is the same: reduce vacancy time, improve tenant satisfaction, and maintain long-term asset value.

This guide breaks down everything property managers need to know, including what’s included, why it matters, how turnover cleaning services work, and when to bring in a professional make-ready team.

Key Takeaways

• Make-ready services prepare units for new tenants through cleaning, repairs, and safety checks.
  
• These services reduce vacancy time and improve resident satisfaction.
  
• Professional teams deliver faster, more consistent results.
  
• Pre-inspections and compliance checks protect property managers from risk.
  
• NSPIRE Experts provides full turnover, repair, and inspection support.

What Make-Ready Services Include

A complete apartment make-ready service covers all tasks required to bring a unit back to standard. This goes far beyond simple cleaning or maintenance.

Cleaning & Turnover Cleaning Services

Professional turnover cleaning services ensure every area meets move-in standards. This typically includes:

• Deep cleaning kitchens and bathrooms
  
• Cleaning appliances, cabinets, and fixtures
  
• Vacuuming, mopping, and carpet cleaning
  
• Removing odors
  
• Window and surface cleaning
  

A well-maintained unit creates a positive first impression and reduces early maintenance requests from tenants.

General Maintenance & Repairs

Maintenance technicians address issues left by previous tenants or identified during turnover inspections, such as:

• Paint touch-ups or full repainting
  
• Patching wall holes
  
• Replacing light fixtures
  
• Repairing doors, locks, and hinges
  
• Fixing minor plumbing or electrical issues
  

Learn more about repair support through NSPIRE Property Prep & Repairs

Safety, Compliance & Inspection Prep

A thorough make-ready should include safety and compliance to meet habitability standards:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm checks
  
• GFCI outlet testing
  
• Hazard removal
  
• Habitability verification
  

HUD-funded properties benefit from adding a NSPIRE Pre-Inspection Service

Why Make-Ready Services Matter for Property Managers

Faster Turnovers and Reduced Vacancy Loss

Every day a unit sits vacant impacts NOI. Turnover services streamline the process, enabling units to return to the market quickly.

Improved Tenant Satisfaction and Retention

Move-in quality sets expectations for the entire lease. Clean, functional units lead to:

• Fewer complaints
  
• Higher renewal rates
  
• Better online reviews
  

Stronger Compliance and Asset Protection

Well-prepared units reduce safety hazards and large future repairs. HUD properties also benefit from inspection shadowing services. These ensure deficiencies are corrected or explained during HUD inspections.

When Property Managers Should Use Turnover Services

After Move-Outs With Heavy Wear or Neglect: Units with extensive damage or long-term tenancy usually require full turnover coordination.

During High-Volume Turnover Seasons: Lease-up periods, summer turnovers, and student housing cycles strain maintenance teams—outsourcing ensures consistency.

Before Scheduled Inspections: Adding a make-ready service before an inspection helps correct deficiencies and avoid penalties.

Who Performs Make-Ready Services?

Depending on portfolio size and staffing, property managers may use:

• In-house maintenance teams
  
• On-call vendors
  
• Professional make-ready technicians
  
• Full-service providers such as NSPIRE Experts (repairs, cleanup, and inspection prep combined)
  

How Make-Ready Services Fit Into a Larger Turnover Strategy

Turnover services typically integrate into a complete turnover workflow:

• Move-out inspection
  
• Cost assessment
  
• Repairs and cleaning
  
• Compliance review
  
• Final quality check
  

For full apartment turnover guidance, check out our turnover apartment service page.

Benefits of Using a Professional Make-Ready Team

Predictable Turnaround Times

Standardized processes result in faster prep across multiple units.

Consistent Quality Across Your Portfolio

This improves the resident experience and brand reputation.

Streamlined Communication

One vendor = one workflow, one invoice, and less operational friction.

More Accurate Repair Planning

Professionals help identify hidden risks that may affect future inspections.

Book Make-Ready Services Today

A well-prepared unit protects your investment, reduces turnover costs, and ensures tenant satisfaction.

Book Make-Ready Services with NSPIRE Experts

FAQs

What is typically included in make-ready services?

Cleaning, repairs, touch-ups, and safety checks to prepare a unit for move-in.

How long does a make-ready take?

Usually 1–3 days depending on the unit’s size and condition.

Are turnover services different from standard cleaning?

Yes. Make-ready includes maintenance, repairs, and compliance—not just cleaning.

Do make-ready services help with compliance?

Absolutely. They prevent habitability issues and prepare units for inspections.

Who should hire turnover services?

Property managers handling frequent turnovers or needing faster, higher-quality unit preparation.