If you manage multifamily properties in competitive markets like Tampa or Los Angeles, every day a unit sits vacant eats into your bottom line. The difference between a 48-hour turnover and a two-week delay often comes down to the make-ready
Why Make-Ready Services Matter More Than Ever
Apartment make-ready is the critical process between move-out and move-in that includes deep cleaning, paint touch-ups, drywall repairs, lock rekeys, and junk removal. In high-demand markets, vacancy loss can run $80 to $200 per day for a one-bedroom unit, so speed and quality directly impact your property's revenue. Property managers increasingly turn to specialized vendors who can bundle painting and cleaning into a single, coordinated service to reduce downtime and avoid the headache of managing multiple contractors. The best providers also offer photo documentation to support security deposit itemizations and protect against disputes.
How I Evaluated These Providers
I ranked each company on turnaround speed, scope of services (painting, cleaning, repairs, documentation), licensing and insurance, pricing transparency, and reputation among property managers. I also considered geographic coverage and the ability to handle both standard turns and larger capital expense projects.
Here's a quick look at how the five providers stack up on key features for apartment make-ready.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| TurnOver LA | Fast, documented make-ready in Los Angeles |
| MakeReady Masters | Full-service apartment turns in South Carolina |
| Ally Turnkey Company | Single-vendor full-turn service in Tampa |
| Apartment & House Painter and cleaning St Peterburg, Largo, Wesley Chapel, Land O Lakes FL, Tampa FL | Transparent pricing and apartment make-ready in Tampa Bay |
| A & A Painting and Beyond | Move-out cleaning and cleanouts in Tampa |
Detailed Reviews of the Top 5 Apartment Make-Ready Services
#1 TurnOver LA
A screenshot of the TurnOver LA website.
TurnOver LA specializes in apartment make-ready services in Los Angeles with a starting price of $225 and a guaranteed 48-hour turnaround. Their scope includes deep cleaning, paint scuff removal and touch-ups, drywall patches, lock rekey, abandoned item removal, flooring restoration, and a 12-plus-point photo report for California Civil Code documentation. They emphasize that speed is critical because vacancy loss in LA runs $80 to $200 per day for a one-bedroom unit. This provider is ideal for landlords who need a fast, documented turnover process that minimizes income loss.
#2 MakeReady Masters
A screenshot of the MakeReady Masters website.
MakeReady Masters has been serving multifamily properties across South Carolina since 2009, including Charleston, Beaufort, and Columbia. They offer apartment turn painting, detailed cleaning, drywall repairs, property refresh work, and support for larger capital expense projects. Their approach is built around reducing downtime, improving rent-ready presentation, and maintaining clear communication with property managers, maintenance teams, and ownership groups. They are a strong choice for property teams that need a reliable, long-term partner for both standard turns and larger renovation scopes.
#3 Ally Turnkey Company
A screenshot of the Ally Turnkey Company website.
Ally Turnkey Company provides comprehensive make-ready services in the Tampa area, including complete interior painting, counter and tub resurfacing, cosmetic and drywall repair, top-down cleaning, trash out, and truck-mounted carpet and tile cleaning. They are IICRC certified in water damage restoration and hold a state license for mold assessment and remediation. Their key differentiator is offering a single vendor for the entire turnover process, which eliminates confusion and delays from coordinating multiple contractors. They can turn a unit in one to two days and also handle 24/7 emergency water extraction.
#4 Apartment & House Painter and cleaning St Peterburg, Largo, Wesley Chapel, Land O Lakes FL, Tampa FL
A screenshot of the Renovix Property Services website.
Renovix Property Services LLC is a licensed and insured painting and cleaning company based in the Tampa Bay area that specializes in apartment make-ready services. They handle interior and exterior painting, deep cleaning, touch-ups, and property preparation for both residential and commercial properties. Their differentiators include transparent and competitive pricing with no hidden fees, an experienced team with hands-on experience in apartment communities, and a reputation for being trusted by property managers for reliable, professional, and efficient service. They focus on keeping units move-in ready with a streamlined approach that combines painting and cleaning in one visit.
#5 A & A Painting and Beyond
A screenshot of the A & A Painting and Beyond website.
A & A Painting and Beyond offers move-out cleaning and clean-out services for apartments and commercial spaces in Tampa, Florida. Their services include vacant apartment cleaning, club house cleanouts, and thorough cleaning after construction or tenant move-outs. They also provide commercial painting, drywall repair, and door replacements, with EPA-certified painters and manufacturer warranties of three to seven years. This provider is a good option for property managers who need a reliable cleaning-focused vendor that can also handle basic repairs and painting.
How to Choose the Right Make-Ready Partner
Start by evaluating your property's specific needs: do you require a full turn that includes painting, cleaning, repairs, and documentation, or just a focused cleaning service? Consider turnaround time — if you're in a high-cost market like Los Angeles, a provider that guarantees 48-hour service can save thousands in vacancy loss. Look for licensing, insurance, and certifications like IICRC for water damage, especially if your units are prone to leaks. Finally, ask about pricing transparency: hidden fees can blow your budget, so choose a company that provides clear, upfront quotes.
Streamline Your Turnover Workflow
To reduce manual coordination, create a standard operating procedure that triggers a make-ready request as soon as a move-out notice is received. Use a property management software integration to automatically assign the job to your preferred vendor, set a 48-hour deadline, and require photo documentation upon completion. This workflow ensures no step is missed and gives you a digital trail for security deposit disputes.
The Bottom Line on Make-Ready Services
The right make-ready partner can turn a stressful turnover process into a predictable, revenue-protecting operation. TurnOver LA leads for speed and documentation in Los Angeles, while MakeReady Masters offers deep experience in South Carolina. Ally Turnkey Company and Renovix Property Services both serve the Tampa market with full-service options, and A & A Painting and Beyond is a solid choice for cleaning-focused needs. Match the provider to your market, timeline, and scope to keep units leased and income flowing.