The Top 6 FAQs About Condominium Common Areas

An increasing number of people are choosing to live in condominium corporations to enjoy the benefits of community living, such as well-maintained neighbourhoods and camaraderie with other residents. One way condominiums facilitate relationship-building among residents is through the use of common areas.

Condominiums are built upon the concept of community, and offering shared spaces where residents can connect, relax, and engage in recreational activities makes them some of the most sought-after housing models in the industry. To learn more about these shared spaces, find answers to the top six frequently asked condominium common area questions below.

1. What Is a Condominium Common Area?

Condominium common areas are community spaces that residents can access within the neighbourhood. These areas are available to all homeowners for use and enjoyment.

While all condominiums are unique and offer different amenities, some common area examples include:

• Swimming pools
• Fitness centers
• Clubhouses
• Business centers
• Community parks
• Playgrounds
• Tennis courts
• Pickleball courts

In addition to condominium amenities, other spaces in the community that aren’t located on private lots are also considered common areas. For example, sidewalks, streets, parking lots, shared building hallways, and elevators fall into the condominium common area category. In contrast, properties owned by individual residents aren’t common areas.

2. What Are Condominium Common Area Rules?

Every condominium establishes rules and regulations for their community’s common areas. These specific regulations are included in the condominium’s governing documents. The Declaration provides instructions on things like:

• How residents should use the common areas
• Who is allowed in the shared spaces
• The hours of operation
• Safety warnings and restrictions

As members of the condominium, homeowners must agree to follow common area guidelines to help prevent injuries and damage. This is why it’s essential for the condominium board of directors to share common area rules and remind residents of their responsibilities within these community spaces.

Learn what else is included in your governing documents. Read “A Breakdown of Governing Documents” now!

3. Who Owns Common Areas in a Condominium?

Condominium common areas are equally owned by all the homeowners in the community. Each owner pays regular common element fees that go towards operations and common area maintenance, giving them an equal share of ownership.

4. Who Is Responsible for Condominium Common Area Maintenance?

While homeowners share interest and ownership in condominium common areas, the responsibility of maintaining these shared spaces and amenities generally falls on the corporation’s board. The board of directors consists of volunteer homeowners who are elected to oversee the condominium’s operations, including maintenance and repairs in common areas.

The board’s common area duties may include:

• Creating a community maintenance calendar
• Completing regular inspections of shared spaces
• Scheduling common area landscaping upkeep
• Reviewing and addressing maintenance requests
• Ensuring enough reserve funds are set aside for major repairs or improvements
• Working with qualified repair and maintenance professionals

Depending on the size of your community, the condominium board may also work with a volunteer committee, community manager, or third-party company to maintain common areas. Proper maintenance is key to resident satisfaction, strong property values, and user safety.

5. Are Condominium Common Areas Safe To Use?

Keeping shared areas safe with regular maintenance is a priority for any community. When amenities are in disrepair, or the board fails to fix a reported issue, it can lead to injuries and legal problems for the condominium. It’s also frustrating for homeowners who pay common element fees to deal with hazardous conditions in common areas.

With so much at stake, condominium corporations typically do everything to keep shared areas and amenities as safe as possible. The condominium board will take steps to improve safety in community spaces, such as:

• Replacing dated equipment regularly
• Checking common area lighting and locks
• Keeping shared spaces clean and free of clutter
• Repairing issues as soon as possible
• Restricting access until repairs or improvements are complete
• Providing a quick and easy way for homeowners to report safety concerns

6. Who Pays for Common Area Insurance?

Comprehensive condominium insurance, also called a master policy, protects homeowners if an accident occurs on community grounds. When an unforeseen event causes property damage or a personal injury, condominium corporation insurance will usually cover the expenses associated with the incident. But who pays for corporation insurance, and does it cover common areas?

The cost of condominium insurance is included in homeowners’ monthly common element fees, so there’s no additional expense to residents who are up to date with their payments. Carrying this type of policy typically provides coverage for property damage and liability expenses in shared community spaces, including pools, parks, and playgrounds.