Which category of maintenance involves fixing something after it has already broken?

Curative Maintenance refers to the actions taken to repair or fix equipment, systems, or structures that have already malfunctioned or failed. This type of maintenance is reactive in nature; it occurs after a breakdown or failure and is aimed at restoring the asset to its proper functioning state.

For property management, understanding curative maintenance is critical because it highlights the necessity of responding quickly to repairs to minimize disruption for tenants and protect the value of the property. This approach can often be more costly in the long run than proactive measures, such as preventive maintenance, which focuses on avoiding issues before they arise. Curative maintenance is essential for ensuring that properties are maintained at an optimal level, thereby upholding safety and satisfaction for residents.