What does the term "deferred maintenance" refer to?

The term "deferred maintenance" specifically refers to repairs that have been postponed or neglected over time. This concept is critical in the context of property management and home inspection, as it highlights issues where necessary maintenance has not been carried out, often leading to further deterioration of the property. This kind of maintenance could include items like leaky roofs that have not been repaired, plumbing issues that remain unaddressed, or exterior paint that has not been touched up. By identifying deferred maintenance, home inspectors can inform potential buyers about the future costs they might incur to bring the property back to good condition, making it an important aspect to consider during the inspection process.