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What is deferred maintenance and why is it a problem?

Deferred maintenance is fixing things later than you should — usually because a scheme is underfunded. It's a problem because most building issues get exponentially worse and more expensive the longer they're left.

A $3,000 waterproofing repair done now can become a $40,000 structural repair in three years. A regular sinking fund, a current 10-year forecast, and a committee that prioritises essential works are the best protection. If your scheme has a long backlog, ask the manager to prepare a prioritised maintenance plan.

By Reviewed by Last reviewed 2026-05-04

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From category: repairs-and-maintenance

Cite this answer

APA:Stratapages Editorial Team. (2026, 4 May). What is deferred maintenance and why is it a problem?. Stratapages. https://stratapages.com.au/faq/repairs-and-maintenance/deferred-maintenance

MLA:Stratapages Editorial Team. "What is deferred maintenance and why is it a problem?." Stratapages, 4 May 2026, https://stratapages.com.au/faq/repairs-and-maintenance/deferred-maintenance.

Chicago:Stratapages Editorial Team. 2026. "What is deferred maintenance and why is it a problem?." Stratapages. https://stratapages.com.au/faq/repairs-and-maintenance/deferred-maintenance.

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