Direct answer
What does Preventive maintenance mean?
Planned inspection and service intended to reduce breakdowns, hazards and more costly repairs.
Exam cue: Use schedules, records and qualified vendors rather than waiting for every component to fail.
What does it look like in a question?
New York example
The manager schedules roof inspections and HVAC service before peak seasons.
Common exam trap
What should you not confuse it with?
Preventive maintenance does not eliminate the need to respond to unexpected repairs.
Related property management terms
Capital improvementA significant addition or replacement that extends useful life, increases value or adapts property to a new use, depending on the accounting and tax context.EvictionA legal process used to recover possession from a tenant under applicable grounds and court procedures.Management agreementA contract authorizing a property manager to perform stated services for an owner.Operating budgetA plan of expected property income and operating expenses for a future period.Reserve fundMoney set aside for future major repairs, replacements, emergencies or other planned property needs.Security depositMoney held to secure a tenant's performance under a lease and governed by the applicable lease and law.
Sources used1 reference with section locators
The curriculum citation confirms exam scope. Definition and rule citations support the explanation itself. Links and locators were checked on August 26, 2026.
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Put the term back into its full subject.
A definition helps with recall. The subject guide shows how the rule interacts with documents, scenarios, calculations and practice questions.