Factors affecting housing maintenance cost in Malaysia

Purpose - It has been found that the cost for housing maintenance is relatively high due to poor maintenance practices. This paper aims to determine and identify the factors contributing to rising maintenance costs. Design/methodology/approach - A quantitative approach was adopted that sought to gather factual data using the approach taken by El-Haram and Horner. The research first identified the critical factors through a literature review. A total of Eighty questionnaires were then distributed to relevant respondents such as building managers or supervisors, maintenance management staff and others. In total, 31 completed questionnaires formed a database for descriptive and ranking analysis. Findings - The research concluded that five of the most dominant factors were expectation of tenants, building materials, building services, building age and failure to execute maintenance at the right time. Meanwhile, it was found that two of the most influential impacts were outstanding maintenance charges and over-budget. Originality/value - Measures to minimise the housing maintenance cost were obtained, such as participation of tenants and residents in housing management works and allows their acceptance of a lower standard expectation.