The Make-Ready Process: Complete Apartment Checklist

Schedule a walkthrough 30 days before lease end to document existing conditions. Photograph every room, appliance, and fixture. This establishes a baseline for damage assessment and gives you time to pre-order materials. In Houston, pre-inspections reduce turn time by an average of 2 days because supplies are staged in advance.

Compare pre-moveout photos against move-in documentation. Texas Property Code Section 92.104 gives landlords 30 days to return the deposit with an itemized deduction list. Separate normal wear (paint fade, carpet wear paths) from tenant damage (holes, stains, broken fixtures). Clear documentation reduces deposit disputes by 60%.

Patch drywall holes first, then sand, prime, and paint in one continuous workflow. Use the same 2-3 paint colors across all units to simplify inventory. Eggshell finish on walls (washable), semi-gloss on trim and doors (durable). In Houston's humidity, allow 4-6 hours between coats and run HVAC during painting to manage moisture.

Test every appliance: run the dishwasher through a full cycle, verify all burners ignite, check refrigerator temperature (35-38 degrees F). Replace drip pans, clean oven interiors, and verify garbage disposal operation. Swap out any fixture that shows corrosion or excessive wear — a $15 faucet aerator now prevents a $150 service call later.

Professional cleaning runs $150-$300 per unit and is non-negotiable for quality turns. Focus areas: inside cabinets, behind appliances, bathroom grout, window tracks, and blinds. The final walkthrough should be done by a manager — not the person who cleaned — using a 50-point checklist. Photograph the finished unit for move-in documentation.