<p>Building deterioration is attributed to inappropriate maintenance methodology, environmental hazards, unresponsive design concepts, incorrect material specifications, shabby construction, age, and human traffic. The right selection of maintenance tactics ensures the longevity of buildings in terms of structural and economic life. Southeastern Nigeria has witnessed a proliferation of public and private tertiary institutions, which should provide conducive environments for staff and students. Regrettably, these institutions have shown a high degree of building defects and deterioration, which makes them unattractive to citizens. The pilot survey suggested a disparity in maintenance management. The research evaluated maintenance strategies in 15 public and 13 private institutions to discover appropriate regional maintenance approaches. Data were collected via visitations, observations, interviews, and questionnaires. The interviews and questionnaires were administered to 600 professionals, principal officers, managerial heads, and contractors. Descriptive and quantitative statistical methods were applied for data analysis. The findings revealed that unplanned and corrective maintenance approaches in tropical rainforest climates aggravated critical defects compared with planned and preventive maintenance, which caused minimal defects. A lack of fully operational work departments, nonengagement of property managers, maintenance indifference, a decline in maintenance requests, inadequately skilled technicians, substandard materials, corruption, insufficient funds, and a lack of maintenance policy were variables that influenced the choice of maintenance tactics. The research recommended planned and preventive maintenance, supported by well-formulated policies, an adequate maintenance budget, a work department with experienced artisans, mandatory continuous staff development, the use of standard materials, and a five-year periodic post-occupancy evaluation.</p>