Condo Common Elements for Condo Owners
What is a Common Element?
The common spaces inside and even around the condominium building are called “common elements.” These common elements belong to all building owners. In other words, these elements are outside your unit but somehow belong to all the residents of the building, including laundry rooms, corridors, lobbies, etc. We mentioned examples of common elements earlier in the introduction.
The question is: who should pay for common elements’ fees? Any person who owns a part of the building must bear a part of the costs related to the maintenance of the common elements; in other words, the costs related to the common elements are split among all the owners of the building based on their units’ sizes. It should be noted that the maintenance and repair costs of the common elements must be covered by the subscription fee.
Another point that needs to be considered is the warranty issue. In the condo projects, it is possible that all the units and common elements are covered under the Delray warranty plan. The owners of the units should submit a warranty request related to their unit to Tarion. Warranty coverage starts exactly when a person occupies
Common Element
What is a Limited Common Element?
A limited common element is slightly different from a common element and refers to those common elements that belong only to the association or homeowners association and do not include tenant ownership. Limited common elements may be found both inside and outside Vandu units. Although they are quite ordinary elements, only residents are permitted to use the limited common elements such as balconies, parking lots, common open spaces, garages, and so on.
We can define a limited common element as a common residential complex that is considered a part of a unit. But it should be noted that an element should not be considered the exclusive property of the owner or tenant. The limited common element can be elements related to private apartments, such as windows, exterior doors, and balconies, or even comprehensive elements that provide the same services, such as pools, garages, elevators, clubs, etc.
common condo element
Limited Common Elements vs. Common Elements
All areas of the condominium building besides the units are typically referred to as “common elements.” A restricted common element is one that is restricted for the sole use of one or more unit owners, but not necessarily all of them. Therefore, while all common elements are restricted common elements, not all common elements are.
It is important for the homeowner to understand the difference between the two in order to know his responsibilities and limitations.
Maintenance for Common Elements
All areas that all homeowners can use, such as swimming pools, lawns, clubs, etc., are called common elements. Usually, in an association or condominium, the condo company is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and keeping safe the common elements.
It is good to know that these areas are regulated and included in government documents only to increase the quality of life of all residents. In other words, all parts of a condominium, except for the units, are common elements.
Maintenance for Common Elements
Maintenance for Limited Common Elements
The limited number of common elements may have a confusing definition at first. As the name suggests, access to the common elements is limited to one or more units, so not all units are allowed access. These elements can include balconies, patios, doors, windows, etc., and in most cases, the cost of maintenance, repair, cleaning, etc. is with the owner. The responsibility of repair and replacement may also shift to the association as the scope of the limited common elements expands.
A Condo Unit Part vs. Common Elements
To answer this question, in this section, we have explained each of them separately so that you can better understand the differences and the relationship between the two
Condo unit
A condo unit exclusively belongs to the owner and can be a residential unit, a storage closet, or a parking lot. There are many examples of condo units that we only briefly mentioned.
Speaking about the declaration, it is a lengthy document called a “declaration” in which the common elements, individual ownership units, limited common features, common expenses, and the owner are defined and addressed. In the declaration, all matters related to the condo and its costs have been specified in advance. And also, this declaration should be registered at the time of the condo’s establishment.
Condo unit
Common Elements
Common elements are located opposite condominium units and are available to all condominium owners. The explanation of the condominium is that everything not registered as a condo unit is considered a common element. Sometimes, these common elements are limited. Instead of all the owners, only one or some of the owners are allowed to use them.
Last Word
As the last word, regarding the differences between common elements and limited common elements, we should say that they are not significantly different. Rather, those common elements that only one or a limited number of condo owners have the right to use are called “limited common elements.” It should be noted that getting to know them increases your understanding of your responsibilities and rights in condo units. Share your experience using common elements with us.
