Legal Definitions - common area

A common area is a shared space or facility that is used by multiple unit owners or shareholders of a common interest development (CID). These areas are managed by the association or board of directors of the CID, and each member or shareholder must contribute to the CID to maintain the common areas, usually in periodic fees.

• In a housing CID, common areas can include yard space, a basketball court, pool, laundry room, or a mail room.
• In a business CID, common areas can include a lobby in a high-rise office building or a parking lot for businesses in a mall.

For example, in a housing CID, the pool is a common area that is shared by all the residents. The association or board of directors of the CID is responsible for maintaining the pool, and each resident must pay a fee to contribute to the maintenance costs. Similarly, in a business CID, the parking lot is a common area that is shared by all the businesses in the mall. The association or board of directors of the CID is responsible for maintaining the parking lot, and each business must pay a fee to contribute to the maintenance costs.