A Boston make-ready checklist is a day-by-day plan to turn a rental unit fast—prioritizing safety, water issues, functional fixes, and cosmetic refresh—so you cut vacancy days without sacrificing quality. Use the steps below (pre-walk, move-out triage, functional repairs, cosmetic refresh, QA, and move-in prep) to keep turns predictable and photo-ready across Boston and MetroWest.
Why it matters in Boston/MetroWest: every empty day is lost revenue. A consistent unit turn checklist reduces surprises, coordinates vendors, and speeds marketing photos/showings—especially in older New England housing stock and busy MetroWest markets.
What is a Make-Ready Checklist (for Boston & MetroWest property managers)?
A make-ready checklist (a.k.a. apartment turnover checklist or rental make-ready) is a standardized sequence of tasks that moves a unit from move-out to move-in quickly and consistently. The key is doing the right jobs in the right order:
Safety & water risk → 2) Functional fixes → 3) Cosmetic refresh → 4) Quality assurance → 5) Move-in prep.
When your team needs extra hands for punch lists or seasonal maintenance in Boston, Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Framingham, Weston, Wayland, Sudbury, Marlborough, Ashland, Brookline, and nearby, browse the FixHouz Services Overview to see what we handle across residential, commercial, associations, and STRs:
Services: https://www.fixhouz.com/services
30–14 Days Before Move-Out (Boston prep): Plan Like a Pro
Goal: lock scope, stage vendors, and pre-order materials—so Day 0 isn’t a scramble.
Checklist:
Review lease notes and past work orders for repeat offenders (drippy faucet, sticky latch, torn screens).
If allowed, pre-walk the unit to flag obvious repairs.
Draft a standard turn scope: patch & paint, base/trim touch-ups, door & hardware adjustments, minor plumbing, re-caulking, screen repair, deep clean.
Build a turn calendar (Day 0, Day 1–2, Day 3+) and share access/parking/quiet hours with vendors (helpful in dense areas like Brookline/Watertown).
Day 0 (Move-Out): Document & Triage (New England–style)
Goal: secure the unit, capture condition, and eliminate anything that can snowball.
Secure & safety: reprogram locks (if policy), test smoke/CO devices, cap trickle leaks.
Photo/Video condition before touching anything.
Rapid triage of risk items:
Water: drips, running toilets, damp baseboards/ceilings (freeze-thaw history matters in New England buildings).
Openings: torn or popped screens invite pests—fix now with Window Screen Repair — The Complete Guide.
Drafts/gaps (seasonal): plan quick weatherization to avoid comfort calls and energy waste—see Ways to Insulate Your Drafty Windows When New Ones Aren’t in the Budget.
Days 1–2: Functional Repairs That Protect Your Timeline (Boston rentals)
Goal: fix what prospects feel in 30 seconds—and what triggers Day-3 service tickets.
Doors & hardware: latch alignment, sliders, loose pulls/hinges.
Caulk & sealant: tubs, showers, backsplashes, window/door perimeters.
Minor plumbing: running toilet, slow drain, weepy supply, drippy faucet.
Screens: respline/replace and rehang—use Window Screen Repair — The Complete Guide.
Draft mitigation (seasonal): weatherstripping, film, threshold seals—see Ways to Insulate Your Drafty Windows When New Ones Aren’t in the Budget.
Lighting & life safety: bulbs, GFCIs, detector batteries.
Assembly/mounting: secure shelves/blinds, mount entry racks/TVs as needed.
Days 2–3: Cosmetic Refresh That Sells the Unit (MetroWest showings)
Goal: photo-ready finish—clean edges, bright lines, zero “why didn’t they…?” moments.
Walls: patch nail holes, repair nicks, spot-paint or roll feature walls.
Trim/Baseboards: tighten, caulk top edge, clean scuffs. Budget smarter with How Much Does It Actually Cost to Install Baseboards? A Comprehensive Guide.
Floors: quick board repairs, stain/finish touch-ups.
Kitchen/Bath shine: re-caulk sinks/tubs, tighten P-traps, polish fixtures, swap tired aerators/showerheads.
Appliance check: burners/igniters, fridge temp, dishwasher fill/drain, laundry connections.
Final clean: dust to baseboards, inside cabinets, vent covers; glass, mirrors, stainless.
Pro tip: Cheap turns often cost more. Avoid redo’s with first-time quality—here’s why: The High Cost of Low Bids — A Contractor’s Perspective on Lowball Construction Bids.
Smart, Low-Cost Upgrades That Shorten Vacancy in Boston
Hardware refresh: modern pulls/knobs = instant photo lift.
Lighting: update a couple fixtures; use bright, daylight bulbs in living areas.
Water savings: efficient aerators and showerheads help NOI in multi-unit buildings—see Reduce Utility Costs for Property Managers: Practical Tips and Budget-Friendly Strategies.
Draft control: weatherstrip main door, seal obvious gaps, use window film—see Ways to Insulate Your Drafty Windows When New Ones Aren’t in the Budget.
Exterior & Common Areas (Curb-to-Door in Boston/MetroWest)
Goal: the walk-up should reassure (“this place is cared for”).
Entry door & threshold: smooth latch, snug sweep, clean kick plate.
Numbering & wayfinding: readable unit numbers, bright hall bulbs.
Railing & steps: sturdy, splinter-free; spot caulk/paint where chipped.
Screens & storms: fix closer slam and torn mesh—use Window Screen Repair — The Complete Guide.
Seasonal duties: leaves/gutters, salt/sand readiness; lobby draft control—see Ways to Insulate Your Drafty Windows When New Ones Aren’t in the Budget.
Photo-Ready in Under an Hour
Staging basics: neutral throw, two plants, bright bulbs, open blinds.
Touch-photo checklist: wipe switch plates, polish faucet/aerator, dry tub/sink, dust baseboard tops, vacuum exit lines.
Fragrance: clean/neutral only—avoid heavy scents.
10-Point Final QA (Never Skip This Walk)
Entry swing/latch and threshold contact
Thermostat & HVAC response
Kitchen: water temp, disposal, GFCI, burners, fridge seal
Bath: fill/drain, caulk lines, shower spray, fan noise
Windows: locks, screens, draft test
Interior doors: smooth close/latch
Lighting: dead bulbs, flicker
Safety: smoke/CO test, extinguisher (where required)
Cleanliness: glass, mirrors, stainless, floors
Photos for records before listing/keys
Move-In Day: Make the Welcome Effortless
Key kit: labeled keys/fobs, mailbox, storage, parking tags
Home info card: filter size, breaker panel, shutoffs, trash/recycling, Wi-Fi (if applicable)
Emergency contact: who to call/text + typical response times
First-week fix window: ask residents to send one consolidated list so you can batch the visit
Printable Make-Ready Master Checklist
Pre-move-out (30–14 days)
☐ Pre-walk & scope ☐ Vendor schedule ☐ Materials staged
Day 0 — Move-out
☐ Secure unit & safety devices ☐ Photo/Video condition
☐ Water/drainage check ☐ Screens repaired — Window Screen Repair — The Complete Guide
☐ Draft plan (seasonal) — Ways to Insulate Your Drafty Windows When New Ones Aren’t in the Budget
Days 1–2 — Functional
☐ Doors & hardware tuned ☐ Caulk & sealant refreshed
☐ Minor plumbing fixes ☐ Assembly/mounting needs set
Days 2–3 — Cosmetic
☐ Patch & paint ☐ Base/trim tightened — How Much Does It Actually Cost to Install Baseboards? A Comprehensive Guide
☐ Floors touched up ☐ Kitchen/Bath shine ☐ Appliances test
☐ Final clean
Exterior/Common
☐ Entry latch/threshold ☐ Numbers/lighting
☐ Rails/steps safe ☐ Screens/storms functional — Window Screen Repair — The Complete Guide
QA + Photo-Ready
☐ 10-point walk ☐ New photos ☐ Listing live
Local FAQs (Boston & MetroWest)
Which Boston/MetroWest areas do you serve?
FixHouz partners with property managers, HOAs, and owners in Boston and MetroWest, including Newton, Wellesley, Needham, Natick, Framingham, Weston, Wayland, Sudbury, Marlborough, Ashland, Brookline, and nearby towns.
Do you support condo associations and commercial properties?
Yes—associations, multifamily, offices, restaurants, and hotels. See the Services Overview for what we handle: https://www.fixhouz.com/services
How fast can you turn a unit in Boston?
Simple turns are often complete in 2–3 days. Add time for water damage, full-paint units, or flooring. A pre-walk and staged materials keep timelines tight.
We are ready to help
Need help on your next Boston/MetroWest turn?
FixHouz Services Overview → https://www.fixhouz.com/servicesReady to shave days off a turnover?
Contact FixHouz (Boston/MetroWest) → https://www.fixhouz.com/contact-usPrefer to talk? Call/Text 617-444-3210