Maintenance & Risk Management Flashcards

The implied warranty of habitability generally requires a landlord to provide which of the following?

Answer: Working heat, plumbing, and a structurally safe unit

Habitability covers essential living conditions like heat, water, sanitation, and structural safety, not amenities.

Which risk management strategy involves shifting financial risk to another party, such as through insurance or vendor indemnification clauses?

Answer: Risk transfer

Risk transfer moves potential financial loss to a third party like an insurer or contractor.

Before allowing a contractor to work on site, a property should require which document?

Answer: A certificate of insurance naming the property owner as additional insured

A certificate of insurance with additional insured status protects the owner from liability arising from the contractor's work.

A resident with a disability requests a grab bar installed in their bathroom at their own expense. Under the Fair Housing Act this is a:

Answer: Reasonable modification the landlord generally must permit

Physical changes to a unit for a disability are reasonable modifications, generally permitted at the resident's expense in private housing.

What is the best way to prioritize incoming work orders?

Answer: By emergency, then urgent, then routine based on safety and property damage risk

Triage by safety and damage risk ensures emergencies like floods or no heat are handled before routine requests.

What is deferred maintenance?

Answer: Necessary repairs postponed, often leading to higher future costs

Deferred maintenance is needed work put off, which typically worsens conditions and increases costs and liability.

How often should smoke detectors in rental units typically be tested as part of a preventive program?

Answer: At least at every unit turn and periodically per local code, commonly monthly to annually

Smoke detectors should be tested at turnover and on a regular schedule required by local fire codes.