Before welcoming a new tenant, every landlord and property manager faces the same question: Is the property truly ready for move-in?

A make-ready checklist provides that answer. It’s a structured guide used to ensure a rental property is thoroughly cleaned, inspected, repaired, and compliant with safety standards before new tenants arrive. This checklist helps landlords protect their investment, maintain tenant satisfaction, and reduce costly turnover delays.

Detroit’s rental market offers property owners tremendous opportunity, but it also comes with challenges that can quickly overwhelm even the most committed landlords. Many owners start out with the idea that they’ll manage their own properties to save money and stay hands-on. But soon, the responsibilities pile up; tenant issues, maintenance headaches, compliance requirements, and the constant pressure to keep properties occupied.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time to bring in professional support, you’re not alone. Hiring a property management company isn’t just for big investors’s often the smartest move for everyday owners who want to protect their investment and create more passive income.

Here are five clear signs you may be ready to consider property management for your Detroit rental.

Investing in rental property is about more than collecting monthly rent checks. In Detroit’s rental market, competition is strong, and tenants have high expectations. The upgrades you choose can make the difference between long vacancies and reliable cash flow, between mediocre returns and strong rental ROI.

But here’s the challenge: not every upgrade adds real value. Some improvements might look nice but fail to attract higher-paying tenants or justify increased rent. Others may drain your maintenance budget without providing a measurable return. To help you make informed decisions, let’s break down the upgrades that actually boost rental value, reduce turnover, and keep your Detroit property competitive.