The term common charges can be used in different ways, but the most recognized definition is that of monthly fees or charges associated with living in a condominium. Common charges are often used to provide maintenance of common areas. These fees are used by a condo association for typical expenses associated with the upkeep of community amenities as well as administrative costs. Costs can include many things from landscaping, repairing parking lots, and keeping hallways or stairwells clean and well lit, to paying for printing and mailing of condo association rules and other correspondence.
Common charges may also be used to pay wages or salaries for those employed by the condo association. Property taxes, legal fees, the association’s liability insurance, and in some cases certain utilities such as water, sewer, and trash removal, may be incorporated into these fees. Security personnel or equipment may be included as well. If there is a pool, a clubhouse or other common meeting area, upkeep of such things is generally included in common charges. The homeowner is solely responsible for the care and maintenance of his or her unit.
The co-op style of living can be very comfortable for those who live alone as well as those who work several hours per week or travel. They may feel safer and feel that their home is more secure, when surrounded not only by close neighbors but within an association that has a stake in the property. They also know that care will be given to many issues they would otherwise need to tend to on their own.
The lawn is kept up, snow is removed if applicable, and these as well as other services make life easier. Common charges are simply part of that agreement. Because so many services are available, a condominium can be a great choice for singles, the elderly, people with physical challenges, or anyone who simply does not have the time or the ability to keep up with extra maintenance.
Anyone who is interested in purchasing a condominium must be sure to read all the fine print before signing any agreement. Make sure you can afford the associated fees. Understand that common charges may increase regularly. Paying these charges in a timely manner is a very important part of owning a condominium. Something many people may not realize is that a condominium may be foreclosed if these fees go unpaid. It would be a shame for someone to lose his or her home due to being unprepared for the extra expense of common charges.