The Real Cost of Maintenance: Why Small Issues Lead to Big Expenses

When property owners think about maintenance costs, major repairs often come to mind—roof replacements, HVAC breakdowns, or significant plumbing failures. These are understandably top-of-mind because of their price tags and disruption. However, it’s often the minor, persistent issues that quietly create the most financial strain.

Seemingly small problems like a leaky faucet, a drafty window, or a flickering light may not appear urgent, but they have a profound impact on resident satisfaction. Over time, they send a message that the property is not well cared for. Residents may not report these issues, but they take note—and when their lease ends, they’re more likely to move on.

This is where the real cost emerges: resident turnover.

Replacing a resident is far more expensive than fixing a slow-draining sink. Marketing, vacancy losses, and make-ready costs can easily climb into the thousands. In contrast, many of these small repairs can be resolved for a few hundred dollars or less, often preventing a move-out altogether.