What type of maintenance is being performed when a landlord hires someone to replace a broken water heater?

The situation described involves a landlord hiring someone to replace a broken water heater, which is a response to an issue that has already occurred. This aligns with the concept of corrective maintenance, which is specifically aimed at fixing or resolving a problem after it has manifested, such as when a water heater breaks down.

Corrective maintenance is essential in property management because it ensures that necessary repairs are made to restore the property to a functional state, allowing for continued use and comfort for tenants. It contrasts with preventive maintenance, which involves regular checks and services designed to prevent problems from occurring in the first place, or routine maintenance that deals with ongoing, regular upkeep.

Emergency maintenance typically refers to urgent repairs that require immediate attention to prevent further damage or to ensure safety, while routine maintenance pertains to ongoing tasks performed regularly to maintain the property’s condition. In this case, since the action is a direct response to a malfunction, it is clearly categorized as corrective maintenance.