Quick Answer
Common areas belong to the whole HOA, not to any single owner, which is why your monthly dues help pay for their upkeep. In a condo, the common area can even include the building's roof and exterior walls, while in a single-family or townhouse community it's usually limited to shared amenities and grounds.
- Ownership
- Shared collectively by all HOA members
- Typical examples
- Pools, clubhouses, sidewalks, entrances
- Who pays for upkeep
- Funded through HOA dues
- Varies by community
- What counts as common area differs
What Counts as a Common Area
In a single-family or townhouse HOA, common areas are usually limited to shared spaces like entrances, walking trails, ponds, or a community pool. In a condominium, the definition often extends to the building itself, including hallways, the roof, and exterior walls.
The community's governing documents, including the CC and Rs, define exactly what's considered common area and what falls under an individual owner's responsibility.
How Common Areas Are Maintained
Regular HOA dues fund the day-to-day upkeep of common areas, from mowing to pool maintenance, while a reserve fund typically covers larger, less frequent projects like resurfacing a parking lot or replacing a roof.
Well-maintained common areas are often a good sign of a financially healthy association, which is worth noting when you're comparing communities.
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Frequently Asked Questions — Common area
Do I have to pay for common area maintenance even if I don't use it?
Yes, HOA dues typically cover all common areas regardless of how often an individual owner uses them.
Who is liable if someone is injured in a common area?
The HOA generally carries insurance for common areas, though liability can depend on the specific circumstances.
Can common areas be turned into private property?
Not without a formal process, since common areas are owned collectively and changes usually require association approval.
Does every HOA community have common areas?
Most do, even if it's just a shared entrance or green space, though the scope varies widely between communities.