Property Maintenance Glossary

The process of securing damaged windows, doors, and other openings with plywood or steel panels to protect a property from weather, theft, and vandalism after damage from storms, fires, or break-ins.

A permanent structural addition or major renovation that extends a property's useful life or increases its value. Capital improvements are typically depreciated over time rather than expensed immediately.

Maintenance and repair work that has been postponed due to budget constraints, competing priorities, or neglect. Deferred maintenance accumulates and typically costs significantly more to address later.

The process of fixing damage to drywall panels, including patching holes, fixing cracks, replacing water-damaged sections, and matching texture for a seamless finish.

Rapid deployment of maintenance or repair crews to address urgent property issues such as water intrusion, storm damage, fire damage, or security breaches that require immediate attention.

The professional discipline of coordinating the physical workplace, maintenance, and support services of a building or portfolio to ensure functionality, comfort, safety, and efficiency.

A rubber component inside a toilet tank that controls water flow from the tank to the bowl. A degraded flapper is the most common cause of running toilets and hidden water waste.

The legal process by which a lender takes possession of a property from a borrower who has defaulted on their mortgage. Foreclosed properties often require preservation services.

The process of removing paint, markers, or etchings from building surfaces using chemical solvents, pressure washing, or specialized removal techniques while protecting the underlying material.

An organization that manages common areas and enforces community rules in a residential development. HOAs are responsible for common area maintenance, landscaping, and amenities.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which sets standards for federally assisted housing including property condition requirements, safety standards, and inspection protocols.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. The building system responsible for maintaining comfortable indoor temperature, humidity, and air quality.

A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof, preventing melting snow from draining. Water backs up behind the dam and can leak into the building, causing damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

Professional cleaning services for commercial buildings, including restrooms, offices, common areas, and break rooms. Typically performed on a recurring schedule (daily, weekly, etc.).

The process of replacing or rekeying locks on a property, typically performed during initial securing of vacant or foreclosed properties to prevent unauthorized access.

The professional process of removing mold contamination from a building, including identifying and addressing the moisture source, containing the affected area, removing contaminated materials, and restoring the space.

A set of services performed when a tenant vacates a property, including cleaning, repairs, painting, and preparation for the next occupant. Also known as a turn or make-ready.

The National Flood Insurance Program, a federal program that provides flood insurance to property owners in participating communities. Standard property insurance does not cover flood damage.

The National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate. HUD's inspection protocol that replaced REAC inspections, focusing on health and safety, function, and inspectable area standards.

A list of incomplete or deficient work items that a contractor must complete before a construction project is considered finished. Also called a snag list or deficiency list.

The maintenance and securing of vacant or foreclosed properties to prevent deterioration, code violations, and value loss. Includes board-up, winterization, trash-out, and ongoing maintenance.

The operation, control, maintenance, and oversight of real estate, including tenant relations, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and financial reporting.

The former Real Estate Assessment Center inspection protocol for HUD-assisted properties. Replaced by NSPIRE in 2024. Assessed property conditions using standardized scoring.

A property owned by a lender, bank, or government agency after an unsuccessful sale at a foreclosure auction. REO properties typically require preservation and maintenance.

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, a federal assistance program that helps low-income families afford housing in the private market. Section 8 properties must meet Housing Quality Standards.

A water leak in pipes embedded in or under a concrete foundation slab. Slab leaks can cause foundation damage, high water bills, and warm floor spots. Detection requires specialized equipment.

A low-pressure cleaning method that uses specialized detergents and chemicals rather than high-pressure water to clean surfaces. Used on roofs, siding, and other surfaces that could be damaged by pressure washing.

Property damage caused by severe weather events including high winds, hail, heavy rain, tornadoes, hurricanes, and ice storms. Requires rapid assessment and emergency mitigation.

The removal of debris, personal belongings, and trash from a vacated or foreclosed property. Includes proper disposal of hazardous materials and donation of usable items.

The process of preparing a vacant unit for a new tenant, including cleaning, painting, repairs, and inspections. A fast turn minimizes vacancy loss.

The process of selecting, onboarding, coordinating, evaluating, and paying contractors who provide services to a property or portfolio. Modern vendor management uses technology platforms for dispatch, tracking, and performance evaluation.

The process of reducing or preventing water damage after a flood, leak, or water intrusion event. Includes water extraction, drying, dehumidification, and preventing mold growth.

The process of preparing a vacant property for winter by draining and protecting plumbing, setting thermostats, and ensuring the building can withstand freezing temperatures without damage.

A formal document or digital record authorizing and tracking maintenance work. Includes scope, assigned vendor, timeline, cost, and completion documentation including photos.