Living in a condo offers many advantages, including convenience, shared amenities, and often a sense of community. However, it also brings unique responsibilities and complexities, especially concerning the building envelope.
Understanding who is responsible for what, preventive maintenance, and when to consult a professional can make condo living more manageable and enjoyable. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these aspects.
Responsibilities: HOA vs. Individual Owners
HOA Responsibilities
The Homeowners Association (HOA) typically oversees the maintenance, repair, and replacement of common property. Common property is defined uniquely in each set of master condominium docs. While each may differ slightly, the building envelope is one of the largest and most consistent common property items. This envelope includes:
- Framing and Sheathing
- Weather Resistant Barrier
- Windows and Doors (in some cases)
The building envelope is the largest portion of HOA maintenance, repair, replacement responsibility. There are other components of common property, and vary depending on your community. Some examples include:
- Common plumbing and electrical systems
- Asphalt or pavement of parking lots, streets, and sidewalks
- Landscaping
The HOA is responsible for ensuring these elements are properly maintained and repaired. This responsibility is crucial as it directly affects the building's structural integrity and the safety of all owners.
Individual Owners' Responsibilities
Condo owners, on the other hand, are generally responsible for the maintenance and repair of the interior of their units. This includes:
- Interior walls
- Flooring
- Personal fixtures and appliances
- Plumbing and electrical systems within the home (as long as the root cause is not found within common property)
- Windows and Doors
Owners are also responsible for any damage that may originate from their home, such as water leaks that affect other homes or common areas.
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