While it may seem straightforward, the responsibility of condo maintenance is a point of contention in many places. Where does the responsibility for private unit owners and condo associations start and end?
Condo Associations vs. Private Owners: Who Is Responsible for Maintenance?
There are different areas in the condo that can be considered either common elements or private units.
Common Elements
Common elements are areas in the condo building that are there for the entire community’s use. These areas include all parts of the building outside private units. Under this category are the building’s walls, floors, and roofing. It also includes amenities that condo owners can use, such as pools, fitness gyms, function halls, and clubhouses.
Private Units
On the other hand, private units belong to their condo owners. These areas in the building are designated for the owner’s individual use. Any interior flooring, walls, ceilings, decor, and fixtures within that designated area are considered part of the private unit.
Condo Association Responsibilities

Regarding upkeep, the association is responsible for maintaining the condo common area. The COA serves a body that oversees the operations of the condo community, including maintaining specific areas in the building. This is usually funded by the association dues condo owners pay for as residents of the building.
While individual condo owners benefit from using common elements, they are not responsible for maintaining them. Some of these common areas include:
- Fitness gyms
- Clubhouse
- Function and meeting rooms
- Swimming pools and amenities
- Roofdecks
- Lobby area
- Common area lighting fixtures
- Building roofs
- Property fences and gates
Apart from these amenities, the COA is also responsible for the upkeep of the building’s exterior area. Specifically, they need to ensure that landscaping is properly done or that walkways and parking areas are also properly maintained.
Utilities and appliances, such as exterior air conditioning, central HVAC systems, and security systems, among others, should also be handled by the COA.
Additional Responsibilities

Attached to the maintenance of common areas, the condo association also has functions and responsibilities to ensure that all goes well in the building.
These include:
- Rules and Regulations Enforcement. COAs must ensure that all condo owners follow policies stipulated in the association’s governing documents, including those that regulate the exterior appearance of their unit, including exterior paint colors, window treatments, and patio modifications.
- Budgeting. Condo associations are responsible for collecting association dues and levied emergency condo maintenance fees or assessments. They also have the responsibility of budgeting properly to ensure that funds are available for the upkeep of the building.
- Conducting Regular Inspections. For the safety of the entire condo community, the COA must conduct or have experts conduct regular inspections to identify needed repairs and updates to the common amenities in the HOA.
Unit Owner Responsibilities
Private unit owners are responsible for their occupied condo units. Depending on your associations’ governing documents, unit owners must handle and oversee the upkeep of everything inside the units.
Some of these usually include the following:
- Plumbing problems include clogged sinks, broken toilets, and leaky pipes.
- Installation and upkeep of fixtures, such as faucets and showerheads
- Flooring maintenance, including installation of hardwood floors, tiles, or carpets
- Regular cleaning and inspection for repairs needed
- Interior decorating and paint refresh
- Wall, ceiling, and trim restorations.
Unlike in rented apartments, if the appliances were already in the unit when the condo owner purchased the place, they are still considered the condo owner’s property, not the COA’s. Therefore, if they need to be repaired or replaced, the unit owner is responsible for it.
What About Limited Common Elements?

Some areas in the condo building are considered limited common elements. These are areas that may be outside the private unit or do not belong to the condo owner but are being used exclusively by the unit owner.
- Some examples of limited common elements include:
- Private balconies, patios, and decks
- Private walking paths
- Individual HVAC units
- Electrical systems
- Exterior doors and windows
- Parking areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Handles Maintenance for Plumbing and Water Systems?
Who is responsible for pipes in condo walls? Usually, the COA has the duty to maintain shared plumbing systems, including the main water lines and sewer systems. However, when it comes to individual private units, the unit owners are given the task of making sure their private plumbing systems are maintained. These include plumbing fixtures like faucets and shoes, sinks, and the pipes inside their walls.
Who Handles Pest Control in the Condo Building?
Most of the time, the general maintenance rules in the COA apply. Regarding common areas, the COA is responsible for pest control. These include places like the hallway, lobby, and other community spaces. On the other hand, unit owners must handle pest issues that affect only their private units.
Who Handles Emergency Maintenance and Repairs?
When the condo building experiences issues like plumbing leaks, electrical failures, or storm damage, it may confuse residents and the COA on who will be responsible for repairs. In such cases, the COA generally takes immediate action to mitigate the damage in common areas or systems affecting multiple units. However, unit owners will likely still bear the cost of repairs if the issue originates from their unit.
If you’re part of the COA board, remember that you will need a clear protocol for emergency maintenance. This will help minimize any delay and ensure the repairs become a top priority. Both the COA and the residents should communicate regularly with each other to establish the process of reporting any issues that may need emergency repairs.
Is the Condo Maintenance Fee Part of the Association Dues?
Condo maintenance fees for common areas are typically included in the regular association dues paid by unit owners. However, the COA may levy additional or separate fees that will be used for unexpected maintenance issues, repairs, or improvements that exceed the association’s budget.
Condo Maintenance Responsibilities
Understanding condo maintenance responsibilities ensures a harmonious living experience for all residents. While the condo association handles common areas and structural components, individual unit owners actively maintain their private units and limited common elements.Is your condo association looking for professional help when it comes to handling tasks like maintenance and repairs? Freedom Community Management provides COA services in Florida. Call us at 904-490-8191 or contact us online to learn more!