Common Areas: A guide for your HOA

When purchasing property within a homeowners association (HOA), you may come across terms like "common areas" frequently. These spaces are integral to the functionality and appeal of HOA communities and impact the experience of every resident. But are you familiar with what exactly are common areas, and how they affect homeowners? This article explores HOA common areas, provides examples, outlines their purpose, and explains how they are managed and insured. We'll also address HOA common area rules to help you better understand your rights and responsibilities.
 

What is a common area?

A common area refers to any part of a residential property or community that is jointly owned and shared by all residents or members. These spaces are designed to serve the collective use and enjoyment of the entire community rather than belonging to an individual.

In HOA communities, common areas are typically found in the association’s governing documents, such as the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). These legal documents define the content and purpose of the shared spaces, and understanding what constitutes a common area in your HOA can help you better interpret the benefits and obligations within your property.
 

Examples of HOA common areas

HOA common areas vary depending on the size, type, and purpose of the community. Below are examples of commonly shared spaces in HOA-run communities:

• Recreational Facilities: Community swimming pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, playgrounds, and clubhouses.
   
• Landscaped Areas: Parks, gardens, walking trails, and shared green spaces.
   
• Parking Areas: Shared parking lots or designated guest parking zones.
   
• Roads and pathways: Private streets, sidewalks, and pathways.
   
• Utility Areas: Shared utility spaces, such as water systems, sewer systems, or electrical grids.
   
• Lobbies and corridors: For condominiums or apartment-style HOAs, lobbies, hallways, elevators, and staircases are categorized as common areas.

Examples in practice

For instance, a gated community with a pool and a clubhouse will typically have these facilities classified as common areas. Similarly, a condominium building may designate the entire exterior structure and mechanical systems, such as roofing, plumbing, and HVAC systems as part of its common areas.
 

What is the purpose of common areas?

The purpose of common areas is to enhance the livability and value of the HOA community. By providing spaces for recreation, relaxation, and everyday convenience, these areas bring a sense of belonging to all residents.

Key purposes include:

• Community Building: Shared amenities encourage social interaction and allow residents to engage in community building.
   
• Aesthetics: Landscaped gardens, maintained pathways, and clean facilities contribute to the overall visual appeal of the property.
   
• Convenience: Facilities like parking spaces, utility connections, and elevators make everyday living easier for residents.
   
• Property Value: Well-maintained common areas often elevate property values and attract potential buyers seeking a cohesive and attractive community.

Who manages common areas?

Managing common areas is one of the HOA's central responsibilities. Proper management helps that these spaces remain in good condition and accessible for all residents. The HOA board, often supported by a property management company, is tasked with overseeing the upkeep, maintenance, and operation of common areas.

Management of common areas typically includes the following tasks:

• Maintenance: Landscaping, cleaning, and repairing shared facilities.
   
• Repairs and upgrades: Addressing wear and tear, replacing aging equipment, and modernizing amenities over time.
   
• Inspections: Helping facilities meet safety standards to help lower potential hazards.
   
• Financial Oversight: Using HOA dues or reserve funds to budget for maintenance and unexpected repairs.

Residents contribute to the costs associated with these responsibilities through their HOA fees, also known as assessments. These fees cover the ongoing expenses of maintaining and improving the common areas.

If managing daily upkeep or long-term oversight of common areas feels overwhelming, you can seek guidance and help from an experienced property management team like FirstService Residential.
 

Common area insurance

Insurance coverage for common areas is essential in protecting the community against unexpected risks such as property damage or accidents. HOA boards are generally required to carry sufficient insurance policies in line with state laws and the association’s governing documents.

FirstService Financial, one of FirstService Residential's leading value-added services, specializes in providing tailored financial solutions, including guidance with insurance programs designed specifically for HOA communities. This partnership helps your common areas remain covered while keeping costs manageable for residents.

The shared insurance policy typically covers:

• Property Insurance: Protects shared structures and facilities from damage caused by natural disasters, vandalism, or other accidents.
   
• Liability Insurance: Covers legal and medical expenses in the event of injuries occurring within a common area, such as a slip-and-fall incident at the community pool.
   
• Flood or earthquake insurance (if applicable): Certain HOAs may require additional coverage in high-risk areas.

Homeowners should review their HOA's insurance policies to understand the extent of the coverage and whether they may require supplemental insurance for personal liability.
 

HOA common area rules

To maintain order and fairness, HOAs establish rules governing the use of common areas. These rules are detailed in the association's governing documents and are intended to so all residents can enjoy shared spaces without disruptions.

Examples of common area rules:

• Access Restrictions: Rules governing who can use amenities, such as limiting pool access to residents and their guests only.
   
• Hours of use: Establishing specific times during which facilities like clubhouses or tennis courts can be used.
   
• Prohibited Activities: Some HOAs restrict activities like loud music, grilling, or smoking in specific common areas.
   
• Maintenance Obligations: Guidelines regarding homeowners’ responsibilities to keep shared spaces clean after use (e.g., disposing of trash, preserving landscaping).

What happens if you don't follow your HOA common area rules?

Not following your community's common area rules can result in penalties. Some of the common penalties given to those who violate HOA common area rules include issuing warnings, fines, or temporarily revoking access to specific amenities. For this reason, residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these rules to avoid conflicts and promote a positive living environment.
 

Understanding your role in common areas

Whether enjoying a scenic garden, swimming in the community pool, or hosting an event at the clubhouse, remember that shared ownership means shared accountability. And it's important you uphold your HOA's guidelines and support efforts to maintain common areas for the benefit of all.

If you're looking for expert assistance in maintaining your HOA’s common areas or streamlining your property management tasks, contact a member of our team.