Living Here
Who fixes what
In a condominium, upkeep is shared between each owner and the association, depending on whether something is part of your home, set aside for your home's use, or shared by everyone. This page sums it up; when anything conflicts, the governing documents win.
At a glance
- Inside your home: you
- The structure and shared systems: the association
- Outside and shared areas: the association
- Patios, balconies, exterior doors and windows: you, unless stated otherwise
What owners take care of
Inside your home
- Interior walls, ceilings and floors
- Interior finishes: paint, wallpaper, fixtures, cabinets
- Interior doors and hardware
- Appliances
- Outlets, switches and light fixtures
- Plumbing fixtures that serve only your home
Utilities and systems
- Plumbing, wiring and pipes from the point they enter your home
- Heating and air conditioning that serve only your home
Windows, doors and glass
- Replacing broken or cracked glass
- Keeping up the windows and doors that serve your home
Spaces set aside for your home
- Your patio or balcony
- Your carport
- Your storage space and its fixtures
Owner obligations
- Keep your home in good condition and fix anything that could affect your neighbors or shared areas quickly.
- Don't do work that affects the structure or shared areas without written approval first.
Source: Rights & Obligations of Ownership; Declaration Article 3.
What the association takes care of
Shared areas
- The building structure: foundations, framing, roofs and exterior walls
- Plumbing, sewer and utility lines that serve more than one home
- Shared electrical systems
- Shared fencing
- Landscaping in shared areas
- Parking areas, drives and walkways
- The pool, pool deck, clubhouse and other amenities
Operations and safety
- Running and maintaining the shared areas
- Keeping shared areas clear and safe
- Enforcing the rules for shared areas
Source: Common Elements and Common Areas Policy; Declaration Article 2.9.
Common questions
| If... | Then... |
|---|---|
| My patio door is broken. | You replace it. Approval is needed if you change it. |
| Water is leaking from inside my home. | It's yours, unless the source is a shared line. |
| A shared plumbing line backs up. | The association handles it. |
| My air conditioner fails. | It's yours. |
| I want to install or replace an outside fixture. | Get written approval first. |
This page is a summary. The Declaration, By-Laws and Rules & Regulations always control. Read the Rules & Regulations.