Building Maintenance Technician how-to

How to Turn a Vacant Apartment

Efficient make-ready work gets units rented faster.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Efficient make-ready work gets units rented faster. In short: walk; order; complete, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Walk the unit and list every repair needed.

  2. Order parts and schedule vendors such as painters or cleaners.

  3. Complete repairs: plumbing, electrical, doors, blinds and appliances.

  4. Patch and paint walls.

  5. Test smoke and CO alarms, HVAC and appliances.

  6. Do a final inspection before cleaning and handoff.

Safety reminders for building maintenance technicians

  • Turn off and verify power before electrical work
  • Use ladders correctly and keep three points of contact
  • Follow lockout/tagout for equipment
  • Wear gloves and eye protection with chemicals and tools

Work order · Preventive maintenance · Make-ready · GFCI · Breaker · P-trap: see the full building maintenance technician glossary.

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