April 15th, 2021
A house with a white picket fence was once the dream purchase. Nowadays, single-family houses are quickly becoming a thing of the past. Buyers opt for a more central location for their next home purchase and a functional, low-maintenance, modern condo lifestyle.
There are many perks and benefits of choosing one of the condos for sale in the Marina District or nearby locations in San Diego that offer an all-in-one approach to modern living. But before you decide on your condo of choice, one of the most important aspects to consider are the rules and regulations of condominium living. You need to know what are the responsibilities of the homeowners and the HOA’s, and how to differentiate the two.
Are you responsible for repairs in a condo?
Interior damage
Repair and maintenance responsibilities depend on where the issue arises or is located. These responsibilities are divided into two categories: those of the unit owners and those of the condominium homeowners association, or the HOA. Condo owners are responsible for the interior maintenance and its damage. This includes damage repair of the unit’s:
- Appliances
- Water heaters
- Drywall
- Plumbing
- Electric fixtures
- Ceiling
- Floors and walls
Exterior damage
While your homeowners’ association is typically responsible for damages that occur to the common areas, the outside of your condo, and generally the exterior, certain situations aren’t as clearly defined. These include instances where damages occur that are outside of your control or due to negligence. What happens if a roof or basement leak damages the inside of your condo unit?
Moldy carpets, damage to the ceiling and walls, and generally, your belongings that get ruined will fall under your responsibility to restore. This may impact your condo’s resale value, so condo owners are strongly encouraged to have an insurance policy in the event such damages occur.
What repairs are HOA responsible for?
A homeowners association, or HOA, is an organization in a condominium that establishes and enforces rules and guidelines for community residents. As condominium owners are responsible for their home’s interior, HOA is responsible for maintenance and repair of the exterior and shared property of the condo property. The HOA is required to repair the common areas and exterior structures. These include lobbies and stairwells, as well as landscaping and exterior spaces outside the residences.
Maintenance and repair of swimming pools, gym, roof, or the communal clubhouse all fall under common areas and are therefore the responsibility of the HOA. The condo homeowners typically pay a monthly maintenance fee for such eventualities. The HOA communal duties are subject to regular assessment to ensure the monthly or annual budget is appropriately allocated.
Before they decide to purchase a condo, future unit owners should do their diligence when it comes to the responsibility of repairs and maintenance. Generally, condo owners are obligated to pay for the repair of the unit’s interior damages, regardless if these damages are outside of their control or take place due to their negligence.
The unit owners pay monthly dues for the upkeep of the condo community’s shared property spaces. These include general care and repair of the lobbies, parking spaces, fences, and other common areas. The HOA and its handling of the community’s budget is subject to review at monthly or annual community meetings.
Ready to search for condos for sale in the Marina District & across San Diego?
Reap all the benefits condo living offers and find the right condo suited specifically to your needs. With nearly 30 years in the business, The Neuman Group are San Diego’s #1 agents. Enjoy your condo’s swimming pool and spa or catch a baseball game nearby at Petco Park. It’s all practically at your doorstep.
Feel free to browse our website for all our sale offers. Our team has the expertise, know-how, and resources to accommodate your requirements and close the deal on your new and hip condo. Reach out to The Neuman Group today, downtown San Diego is where it’s at!
