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A common area use agreement is an important document that outlines the rules and regulations that govern the use of shared spaces within a condominium, apartment complex, or office building. These agreements are necessary to ensure that all tenants and occupants of the building are aware of their rights and responsibilities when it comes to using shared areas such as hallways, stairwells, elevators, gyms, and parking facilities.

In most cases, the common area use agreement is issued by the building management or homeowners association (HOA). The agreement will typically specify the areas that are considered common areas, the hours during which these areas are accessible, any restrictions on the use of these areas (such as noise restrictions), and any penalties or fines for non-compliance.

Common area use agreements are important for several reasons. First, they help to ensure that all occupants of the building can use shared spaces without infringing on the rights of others. For example, noise restrictions can be enforced to prevent residents from disturbing their neighbors late at night or early in the morning. Second, the agreements provide a framework for resolving disputes between tenants and the building management or HOA. If a tenant is violating the common area use agreement, the management can refer to the agreement and take corrective action as needed.

Common area use agreements may also include provisions for shared expenses such as maintenance, repairs, and cleaning of common areas. These expenses are typically divided among all occupants of the building based on factors such as square footage or number of occupants. The agreement may also specify the types of improvements or modifications that are allowed in shared areas, such as adding storage lockers or installing a bike rack.

As a tenant or occupant of a building with a common area use agreement, it’s important to read and understand the terms of the agreement to avoid any violations that could result in penalties or fines. If you have questions or concerns about the agreement, it’s important to speak with the building management or HOA to clarify any points of confusion.

In summary, a common area use agreement is an important document that outlines the rules and regulations governing the use of shared spaces in a building. These agreements help to ensure that everyone can use common areas without infringing on the rights of others, provide a framework for resolving disputes, and help to ensure that shared expenses are divided fairly among all occupants of the building. Make sure to read and understand the terms of your common area use agreement to avoid any violations or penalties.