Common area

**Group 1: Definition and Importance of Common Areas**

– Common areas are shared spaces within a property.
– They are essential for the enjoyment and functionality of the property.
– Common areas can include lobbies, hallways, elevators, and recreational facilities.
– These spaces are typically maintained by the property management.
– Common areas contribute to the overall value of the property.

**Group 2: Legal Aspects of Common Areas**

– Laws and regulations govern the use and maintenance of common areas.
– Landlords are usually responsible for the upkeep of common areas.
– Legal definitions of common areas vary by jurisdiction.
– Tenants may have rights to access and use common areas.
– Court cases have addressed issues related to common areas.

**Group 3: Management and Maintenance of Common Areas**

– Property managers oversee the maintenance of common areas.
– Regular cleaning and upkeep are necessary to ensure common areas are well-maintained.
– Maintenance costs for common areas are typically shared among tenants.
– Proper management of common areas enhances the property’s appeal.
– Safety and security measures are important considerations for common areas.

**Group 4: Calculation and Assessment of Common Area Expenses**

– Loss factor is a key metric used to calculate common area expenses.
– Property owners may pass on common area expenses to tenants through rent.
– Guidelines and statutes may dictate how common area expenses are assessed.
– Understanding square footage terms is crucial for accurate expense calculations.
– Rentable area calculations play a role in determining common area expenses.

**Group 5: Resources and References for Common Areas**

– Various resources provide information on common areas in real estate.
– Industry associations offer guidelines on managing common areas.
– Glossaries of square footage terms can aid in understanding common area calculations.
– Online platforms provide insights into real estate investment and finance.
– Archived documents and legal references offer valuable information on common areas.

Common area (Wikipedia)

Not to be confused with Common Era.

A common area is, in real estate or real property law, the "area which is available for use by more than one person..." The common areas are those that are available for common use by all tenants, (or) groups of tenants and their invitees. In Texas and other parts of the United States, it is "An area inside a housing development owned by all residents or by an overall management structure which charges each tenant for maintenance and upkeep."

The examples and perspective in this article deal primarily with the Global North and do not represent a worldwide view of the subject. You may improve this article, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new article, as appropriate. (July 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)

Common areas often exist in apartments, gated communities, condominiums, cooperatives, and shopping malls.

In any situation where there is a tenancy in common, all the tenants in common collectively own the common areas, meaning that any one individual owner does not possess more control over the land than any other owner.

This differs from a commons or common land, as used in English law, which is owned by one person, but which may be used by a group of persons.