The Make-Ready Checklist: What to Fix Before You Re-List (So You Don't Get Burned)

Turning a rental isn’t “clean it and pray.”

If you don’t have a make-ready system, you’ll lose money in three ways:

• Vacancy days (the silent killer)

• Small repairs that become big repairs

• A sloppy listing that attracts sloppy tenants

Make-ready is a repeatable process that gets your property rent-ready fast, photographs better, and reduces maintenance calls for the next 6–12 months.

Here’s the Cano Realty method.

Step 1: Lock Down the Basics (Before You Lift a Finger)

Before you start repairs, stop the chaos.

• Collect all keys + garage remotes + mailbox keys

• Confirm utilities are ON (electric/water/gas) for inspections + repairs

• Re-key / change codes (don’t gamble with old access)

• Take move-out photos + video before any work begins

Rule: No repairs until you’ve documented the “as-is” condition.

Step 2: Safety + “No Excuses” Repairs

These items protect you from liability and expensive callbacks.

Safety musts

• Smoke alarms working

• CO detectors where applicable

• Doors lock properly

• GFCI outlets work (kitchen/baths/exterior)

• No exposed wiring, loose fixtures, or broken outlet plates

• Handrails secured, trip hazards removed

Leak check (don’t skip this)

• Under every sink

• Around toilets (if the toilet rocks, fix it)

• Water heater area

• Washer connections

If you smell “musty,” don’t paint over it. Find the source.

Step 3: Systems Check (The Vacancy Preventers)

This is where landlords get hurt: tenant moves in… then HVAC fails.

HVAC

• Replace the filter (leave a spare)

• Test heat + cool

• Check condensate line (clogs cause ceiling stains)

Plumbing

• Hot water reaches all faucets

• Toilets flush strong and refill fast

• Shower diverters work correctly

Electrical

• Test outlets and switches

• Replace flickering bulbs and bad fixtures

Pro move: Spend a little on a basic tech check now to avoid a vacancy disaster later.

Step 4: Cosmetic Fixes That Show Up in Photos

Your listing is judged in seconds. Make it easy for good tenants to say yes.

• Patch holes cleanly (no “lumpy patch” under light)

• Touch up baseboards and door trim

• Repaint high-traffic walls if they look tired

• Repair or replace damaged flooring (especially transitions)

• Tighten or replace loose/mismatched hardware

Simple truth: If it looks cheap in photos, it rents cheap.

Step 5: Deep Clean Like You Mean It

Not “looks clean.” Clean-clean.

Non-negotiables:

• Baseboards wiped

• Fans/vents/light fixtures dusted

• Stove/oven/hood degreased

• Fridge cleaned inside and out

• Bathrooms detailed (grout, drains, toilet base, mirrors)

• Windows cleaned enough to photograph

If you have to prioritize: kitchen and bathrooms first.

Step 6: Curb Appeal (The Tenant Magnet)

You don’t need fancy landscaping. Just don’t look neglected.

• Mow + edge the lawn

• Pull weeds near the entry

• Trim bushes away from windows and walkways

• Replace dead porch light bulbs

• Clear webs, nests, and debris

A clean front door moment raises the perceived value instantly.

Step 7: Rent-Ready Quality Control Walk

Do a final walk like you’re the tenant and you’re picky.

• Open/close every door and window

• Run every faucet for 30 seconds

• Flush every toilet

• Turn on every light

• Test disposal, microwave, stove burners

• Check under sinks again (leaks show up after pressure changes)

Use your phone flashlight and check corners and under vanities. That’s where bad work hides.

Step 8: Listing Prep (This Is Where You Get Paid)

Don’t re-list until you’re actually ready.

• Confirm pricing using current comps

• Set a clear pet policy (don’t freestyle)

• Prepare your lease package + required addenda

• Take fresh photos after cleaning

• Write a description that filters headaches (income requirements, move-in costs, application process)

Pro move: Don’t show the property until it’s 100% ready. Half-ready showings attract half-ready tenants.

Cano Realty Printable Make-Ready Checklist

Copy/paste this into your notes and use it every turn:

Documentation + Access

• Keys/remotes collected

• Utilities on

• Move-out photos/video completed

• Locks re-keyed / codes changed

Safety

• Smoke alarms working

• GFCI outlets tested

• Doors lock properly

• No trip hazards / loose rails

Systems

• HVAC tested (heat + cool)

• New filter installed

• Plumbing checked (sinks/toilets/showers)

• Electrical checked (outlets/switches/lights)

Cosmetics

• Holes patched + paint touched up

• Floors repaired/cleaned

• Hardware tightened/replaced

Clean + Exterior

• Kitchen + bathrooms deep cleaned

• Fans/vents/windows cleaned

• Lawn cut/edged, entry cleaned

Ready to List

• Final QC walk complete

• Rent price confirmed

• Photos taken

• Listing is live

Want Cano Realty to Handle the Make-Ready + Leasing?

If you’re tired of vacancy delays, tenant drama, or “death by a thousand repairs,” Cano Realty can help you run your rental like a business.

Reach out through www.canorealtytx.com and we’ll walk you through:

• Make-ready plan + vendor coordination

• Leasing strategy + tenant screening

• Move-in/move-out systems that protect your time and money