Apartment maintenance is a broad term that is used for the upkeep and maintenance of the physical structures and daily operations of multi-family complexes. The term can refer to any one of the specific duties performed in the interest of the day to day upkeep itself, or as a comprehensive description of all of the duties and responsibilities of the personnel hired to perform such duties. The term could even refer to the individual tenants responsibilities in regards to the upkeep of the spaces that they inhabit.

From the tenants perspective, the details addressed within the term apartment maintenance could be considered the keeping the interior of their individual unit clean, and making sure that the walls, floors and interior space remain in good repair. Indeed, the tenant has a responsibility to avoid knocking holes in the wall, breaking appliances that came with the unit and insuring that the floors do not become scratched or ripped, even if it is not necessarily their responsibility to fix them should they become damaged. Keeping their patios and balconies clean, safe and free of clutter is the responsibility of the tenant, as is placing garbage in the appropriate dumpsters or receptacles, rather than piling it up outside the door or within the unit itself.

Ultimately, the responsibility of apartment maintenance falls into the hands of those who are hired by the owners or managers of the property specifically to provide such services. These services include, but are not limited to making units ready for new tenants by painting, cleaning and repairing all of the damage caused by the previous tenants as well as normal wear and tear. In addition to the interior walls and floors, hired personnel are responsible for securing windows, changing locks, repairing broken appliances and fixing leaking plumbing.

In essence, apartment maintenance requires that the responsible and knowledgeable personnel who are ultimately hired for the job know and understand aspects of heating and air conditioning, are familiar with basic home repairs, plumbing and even have a working knowledge of electrical repair, or if they do not know such things, they can then contract out more difficult jobs to another company more specialized if the need arises. Not only that, but the personnel hired to maintain the interior units is also required to maintain the outside elements, as well. Upkeep on swimming facilities, such as hot tubs, Jacuzzis, swimming pools and other water features, landscaping and changing exterior light bulbs is common, and so is cleaning the parking lots, grounds and other public spaces.

When the going gets tough and a job or problem comes up that no one can solve or figure out, then calling in the more experienced contractors is just part and parcel of the process. Even the task of insect and pest extermination often falls onto the shoulders of apartment maintenance . Depending upon the size of the property, any number of responsibilities can rest firmly on the apartment maintenance facilities, if not to accomplish themselves, then to hire outside of the company to find someone who will accomplish the job, and do it under budget.

It takes knowledge and skills that are beyond the scope of most individuals to accomplish the demands of an entire multi family property. The work is time consuming, constant and often very physically oriented, keeping the men and women who make their living providing such services on their toes and active.