CPO CPO Property Maintenance & Inspections 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a preventive maintenance program in HUD-assisted housing?
- To satisfy annual inspection requirements only
- To proactively maintain building systems and prevent costly emergency repairs (Correct answer)
- To reduce the number of maintenance staff needed
- To document tenant damage claims
Correct answer: To proactively maintain building systems and prevent costly emergency repairs
Preventive maintenance programs proactively address building system upkeep to extend asset life and reduce the frequency and cost of emergency repairs.
Question 2: Under HUD guidelines, what is the standard timeframe for completing emergency maintenance requests?
- Within 72 hours
- Within 24 hours (Correct answer)
- Within 1 week
- Within 48 hours
Correct answer: Within 24 hours
Emergency maintenance requests involving immediate threats to health, safety, or habitability must generally be addressed within 24 hours under HUD guidelines.
Question 3: What is a work order system used for in property maintenance management?
- To track tenant income changes
- To document, assign, track, and close maintenance requests systematically (Correct answer)
- To manage lease renewals
- To schedule tenant recertifications
Correct answer: To document, assign, track, and close maintenance requests systematically
A work order system provides a structured process for logging, assigning to staff, tracking progress, and documenting completion of all maintenance requests.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of a capital improvement rather than routine maintenance?
- Replacing a broken window lock
- Repainting a unit between tenants
- Installing a new roof on the building (Correct answer)
- Replacing a faulty light switch
Correct answer: Installing a new roof on the building
Installing a new roof is a capital improvement because it involves a major expenditure that extends the useful life of the property, unlike routine repairs that maintain existing conditions.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a move-out inspection conducted before a tenant vacates?
- To determine if the tenant qualifies for a security deposit refund
- To document existing conditions and identify damage beyond normal wear and tear (Correct answer)
- To schedule unit painting regardless of condition
- To recalculate the tenant's rent for the next year
Correct answer: To document existing conditions and identify damage beyond normal wear and tear
Move-out inspections document the condition of the unit to distinguish tenant-caused damage from normal wear and tear, which determines the appropriate security deposit disposition.
Question 6: What does 'normal wear and tear' mean in the context of HUD tenant unit conditions?
- Any damage caused by the tenant regardless of severity
- Deterioration that occurs through ordinary, reasonable use of the unit (Correct answer)
- Damage that the tenant is always required to repair
- Cosmetic changes made by the tenant without permission
Correct answer: Deterioration that occurs through ordinary, reasonable use of the unit
Normal wear and tear refers to gradual deterioration resulting from ordinary use of a unit, for which tenants cannot be charged against their security deposit.
CPO CPO Property Maintenance & Inspections 2
What is the primary purpose of a preventive maintenance program in HUD-assisted housing?