Property owned and maintained by the HOA for the shared use of all residents.
Common areas are the land, buildings, facilities, and amenities owned by the HOA (or in condominium projects, owned jointly by all unit owners) for the shared benefit of the community. Examples include clubhouses, pools, tennis courts, walking paths, landscaped entrances, parking lots, elevators, lobbies, and green spaces. All owners share the cost of maintaining common areas through their dues. Common areas are subject to the HOA's rules and regulations — hours of use, guest policies, reservation requirements. Only owners in good standing typically have full access rights, though the HOA cannot deny reasonable access to essential common areas without due process.
The quality and maintenance of common areas directly impacts property values. Poorly maintained common areas signal financial or governance problems. Owners should review what is and is not a common area in the governing documents before purchasing.
Common Elements
In condominium law, all parts of the project owned collectively by unit owners, excluding individual units.
Limited Common Elements
Common elements assigned for the exclusive use of one or more specific unit owners.
Operating Fund
The HOA's general checking account used to pay recurring, day-to-day expenses.
Reserve Fund
Money set aside by an HOA for future major repairs and replacements of common elements.
LotWize handles common areas tracking automatically — along with violations, ARC requests, meeting minutes, and homeowner communications, all in one platform built for self-managed HOAs.
Start 14-Day Free TrialThis page provides general information only — not legal or financial advice. HOA laws vary by state and community. Always consult your governing documents and an HOA attorney for guidance specific to your situation.