In a condominium, how are the owners related to the common elements?

In a condominium, owners have a relationship with common elements that is best described by being tenants in common. This means that all condominium owners share ownership of the common areas of the property—such as hallways, pools, and recreational facilities—regardless of how many units they own. Each owner has an undivided interest in these common elements, meaning that they collectively own a percentage of the whole rather than owning specific parts outright.

This form of ownership allows for a cooperative management approach, where decisions about maintenance, repairs, and use of these common areas are typically made by the homeowners association (HOA) on behalf of all owners. This is fundamental to the condominium living arrangement, ensuring that the common areas are used and maintained fairly for the enjoyment of all residents.

The other options do not accurately represent the standard arrangement found in most condominium structures. Individual responsibility for common elements would place burdens on owners that are generally handled collectively by the HOA. Sole ownership by the association misrepresents that owners retain a shared stake in these spaces. Lastly, the notion that ownership of common elements changes annually does not reflect the legal structures governing condominiums, which maintain consistent ownership rights among unit owners.