What are common areas in a condominium?

Common areas in a condominium are defined as spaces that are maintained collectively by all owners. This encompasses areas that all condominium residents can access and use, such as hallways, lobbies, swimming pools, fitness centers, parking spaces, and outdoor spaces like gardens or playgrounds. The maintenance and management of these areas are typically the responsibility of the condominium corporation, which represents the collective interests of all the unit owners.

Understanding the nature of common areas is essential because it reflects the concept of shared ownership and the communal aspect of living in a condominium. Homeowners have the right to use these common spaces, but they also contribute to their upkeep through collective contributions, usually in the form of monthly maintenance fees. This unity helps promote a sense of community among residents and ensures that shared spaces are well maintained for everyone's enjoyment.

In contrast, spaces owned individually by each owner, those used exclusively by the board of directors, or spaces that cannot be modified by homeowners do not accurately capture the essence of common areas, as they relate to private ownership or restrictions rather than shared responsibility and access.