Property Maintenance and Operations Flashcards

A community manager notices that the common area pool pump is making unusual noises. What is the BEST first step?

Answer: Shut down the pump immediately and notify the board

Unusual mechanical noises can indicate imminent failure; shutting down and notifying the board prevents further damage and liability.

Which document should a community manager consult first when determining who is responsible for repairing a water leak between a unit and a common area pipe?

Answer: The declaration or CC&Rs

The declaration or CC&Rs defines the boundary between unit owner and association maintenance responsibilities.

What is the primary purpose of a reserve study in property maintenance planning?

Answer: To estimate future repair and replacement costs of major components

A reserve study forecasts the useful life and replacement costs of major common components to ensure adequate reserve funding.

A community's HVAC system in the clubhouse is nearing end of life. The board wants to delay replacement. What risk does this pose?

Answer: Higher likelihood of emergency replacement at greater cost

Deferring replacement of aging systems increases the risk of emergency failure, which typically costs more than planned replacement.

When soliciting bids for a major roof replacement, a manager should ensure that all bids are based on:

Answer: The same detailed scope of work and specifications

Comparable bids require an identical scope of work so the board can make a fair apples-to-apples evaluation.

A homeowner requests that the association trim a tree whose roots are damaging her driveway. The driveway is limited common element. Who is typically responsible for tree maintenance?

Answer: The association, because trees are usually common elements

Trees are typically classified as common elements, making the association responsible for their maintenance even when roots affect limited common elements.

What does a preventive maintenance schedule primarily help a community association avoid?

Answer: Unexpected emergency repairs and premature component failure

Preventive maintenance extends the life of components and reduces the frequency and cost of emergency repairs.