If exterior paint chipping covers 25 square feet, is that above de minimus and requires repair?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if near doors
• D. Only if within 5 feet of a window

Answer: (B)

Exterior paint chipping is evaluated against a fixed de minimis threshold. If the chipped area is within that de minimis limit, it doesn’t count as a repair-worthy defect. Here, 25 square feet of exterior paint chipping falls within that allowance, so no repair is required. The decision hinges on area, not location, so proximity to doors or windows doesn’t change the outcome. If the chipped area exceeded the de minimis limit, then repair would be needed.