From property condition to final photo record.
A practical checklist for owners and property managers using Cleaning, Carpet Cleaning and Handyman work in one Make-Ready.
Before Work
Property Condition
- Confirm the unit / property is ready for Make-Ready work
- Take wide photos of the main rooms
- Take selected close-ups of visible damage, stains or problem areas
- Note pre-existing visible condition before cleaning or repair
Confirm Scope
- Select cleaning rooms and add-ons
- Select carpet rooms / treatments
- Confirm handyman tasks and estimated hours
- Confirm any paint touch-ups or small repairs
Cleaning & Carpet
Move-In / Move-Out Cleaning
- Complete selected rooms
- Complete selected deep-clean add-ons
- Address selected heavy grease / dirt / pet-hair condition
- Note anything found that is outside the agreed scope
Carpet Cleaning
- Complete selected carpeted rooms
- Complete hallway / closet / stairs if selected
- Complete selected stain / soil / pet treatments
- Document visible completion condition
Handyman
Handyman
- Complete the agreed punch-list items
- Complete minor adjustments / replacements
- Complete selected touch-ups / small patches
- Stay within the confirmed handyman project scope
Job Debris Removal
- Remove light packaging created during the work
- Take away small bags / boxes and minor job debris
- Leave worked areas ready for final review
After Work & Final Walkthrough
After Photos
- Take wide completion photos of the main rooms
- Take selected close-ups of completed repair / cleaning areas
- Use similar angles to the before photos when practical
- Keep a simple before / after visual record
Final Check
- Compare completed work with the agreed scope
- Catch obvious missed items
- Note anything requiring a separate follow-up
- Provide completion photo documentation to the client
Why before / after photos can matter
California Civil Code §1950.5 includes photo-documentation requirements for residential security-deposit deductions. Beginning April 1, 2025, landlords must take photos after possession is returned and before repairs or cleaning for which a deduction will be claimed, and again after that work is completed. For tenancies beginning on or after July 1, 2025, landlords must also take photos immediately before, or at the inception of, the tenancy. When deductions are made for allowed repairs or cleaning, the required photographs are provided with the itemized statement.
Alex’s Make-Ready photo record is an operational documentation service, not a legal inspection or legal advice. The landlord / property manager remains responsible for legal notices, timing and security-deposit compliance.