Certified Pennsylvania Evaluator Practice Exam

How are allowed expenses calculated to determine reserve for replacement?

1. # of units X cost to replace / life span

2. Total operating income / number of units

3. Depreciation / service life

4. Total expenses / gross income

The correct answer is: # of units X cost to replace / life span

The calculation of allowed expenses to determine the reserve for replacement focuses on understanding how to adequately set aside funds needed for future replacements of property components. When assessing the reserve for replacement, the most appropriate formula is the multiplication of the number of units by the cost to replace each unit, divided by the life span of the components. This approach ensures that for every unit, there is a clear estimation of how much should be reserved annually to cover the eventual replacement costs, taking into account the expected lifespan of those components. This method accounts for both the scale of the property (number of units) and the anticipated costs associated with maintaining its quality over time. By dividing by the life span, the calculation spreads the expense over the useful life of the asset, facilitating prudent financial planning and resource allocation for property management.