A Review of Ethics in Housing Estate Maintenance: Challenges and Best Practices

Abstract

Housing estate maintenance is important in ensuring sustainable urban living by upholding safety, functionality, and environmental quality. However, ethical challenges—such as financial mismanagement, safety negligence, environmental irresponsibility, and regulatory noncompliance—continue to undermine effective maintenance practices. This study critically examines these ethical concerns, highlighting their impact on resident well-being, stakeholder trust, and long-term urban sustainability. This study employed the concept of sustainable development as a lens for this paper. A narrative literature review approach was adopted, drawing from peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and case studies to assess existing maintenance practices. Findings reveal that unethical estate management practices, including lack of financial transparency, use of substandard materials, exclusionary decision-making, and poor waste management, contribute to deteriorating infrastructure, resident dissatisfaction, and environmental degradation. Best practices for ethical maintenance include transparent financial policies, regulatory compliance, resident engagement, and the integration of sustainable maintenance strategies. This study underscores the need for inclusive governance, sustainability-driven policies, and stricter enforcement of ethical guidelines to enhance housing estate maintenance and ensure long-term urban resilience.