In Practice
Vacant ready means the unit has passed the final check and can be leased and occupied right now. It is clean, everything works, any repairs are done and it has been signed off. It is the finish line of the turn process, and the point where the unit starts to count as available inventory.
You see the term in the daily and weekly vacancy report, split into vacant ready, vacant not ready and down units. Leasing wants to know which units are ready to show and to lease. Maintenance and the manager use the same list to prioritize the next make-ready and see how long units stay in each stage.
Example: on Monday a property has ten vacant units: four ready, five in make-ready and one down. Leasing focuses its tours on the four ready units and gives accurate dates on the others. That clarity avoids promising a unit that is not finished.
Common mistake: marking a unit ready too early to look good on the report. A unit with open items turns into a bad first impression and extra work orders on move-in day. Use a written ready standard with a final walk and a signature.
Not to Be Confused With
Vacant ready means the unit can be leased now. A down unit needs major work and cannot be leased at all until it is fixed.
Vacant Ready: Common Questions
What is the difference between vacant ready and vacant not ready?
Vacant ready is cleaned, repaired and available to lease. Vacant not ready still needs make-ready work.
What counts as rent ready?
Each company sets its own standard, but it usually means clean, repaired, painted if needed, all systems working and a final inspection passed.
