Any unit that is deemed _____________ should be reported as deficient.

When a unit is described as inoperative, it indicates that the unit is not functioning as intended or is unusable. In the context of home inspections, identifying and reporting an inoperative unit is crucial because a home inspector’s primary responsibility is to ensure that all components of a home are working correctly and safely for potential buyers. A unit that does not operate can lead to further issues, safety hazards, or significant repair costs, thus warranting a deficiency report.

While other terms may suggest issues—'outdated' might imply a lack of modern features, 'operational' refers to units functioning correctly, and 'unnecessary' could simply mean that a unit is rarely used—they do not convey the immediate failure or danger associated with inoperative equipment. Therefore, reporting an inoperative unit is essential for transparency and consumer safety in a home inspection report.