CAM CAM Maintenance and Property Upkeep 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the recommended frequency for inspecting fire extinguishers in a multifamily property?
- Every 5 years
- Annually, with monthly visual checks (Correct answer)
- Only when a fire occurs
- Every 10 years
Correct answer: Annually, with monthly visual checks
NFPA 10 requires annual inspections of fire extinguishers by a certified professional and monthly visual checks by staff.
Question 2: Which type of maintenance request should always be treated as an emergency?
- A flickering porch light
- A gas leak detected by a resident (Correct answer)
- A squeaky door hinge
- A minor crack in a bathroom tile
Correct answer: A gas leak detected by a resident
Gas leaks are life-threatening emergencies requiring immediate evacuation and utility notification to prevent fire or explosion.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a capital expenditure (CapEx) reserve in property maintenance?
- To pay monthly operating expenses
- To fund large future repairs or replacements like roofs and HVAC systems (Correct answer)
- To cover resident security deposit returns
- To increase rental rates
Correct answer: To fund large future repairs or replacements like roofs and HVAC systems
A CapEx reserve accumulates funds over time to pay for major replacements that have long useful lives, such as roofs, elevators, and boilers.
Question 4: Before performing maintenance inside an occupied unit, what must a property manager do in most US states?
- File a court notice
- Provide advance notice, typically 24 hours (Correct answer)
- Obtain a city permit
- Wait until the resident is away
Correct answer: Provide advance notice, typically 24 hours
Most US states require landlords to give at least 24 hours' written notice before entering an occupied unit for non-emergency maintenance.
Question 5: What does a make-ready checklist help property managers accomplish?
- Screen new resident applicants
- Ensure vacated units are fully repaired and cleaned before re-leasing (Correct answer)
- Track rent payment schedules
- Calculate security deposit deductions
Correct answer: Ensure vacated units are fully repaired and cleaned before re-leasing
A make-ready checklist standardizes unit turnover, ensuring all repairs, cleaning, and safety checks are completed before a new resident moves in.
Question 6: Which pest control practice is considered best for multifamily properties?
- Treat only units where residents complain
- Apply pesticides only at lease renewal
- Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program (Correct answer)
- Rely on residents to manage their own pest issues
Correct answer: Implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program
Integrated Pest Management uses a combination of inspection, prevention, and targeted treatments to minimize pest problems and chemical exposure.
CAM CAM Maintenance and Property Upkeep 2
What is the recommended frequency for inspecting fire extinguishers in a multifamily property?