What Is Common Area In Apartment?
Buying a property, especially an apartment, means not just acquiring a private living space within the boundary of four walls, you also have the common area. The common area in apartments refer to the place that is accessible to every resident. As per the real estate property law it is referred to as ‘an area that is open for use by more than one individual.
Now, understanding what constitutes the common area in housing societies, its significance and its impact on the living experience is important for any apartment owner. So, read on to explore this concept in detail.
Definition of Common Area in Apartments
Common area meaning in apartment complexes refers to the areas that are not part of the individual flats. So, these areas are open for all the residents, and all the owners are equally responsible for the maintenance of these spaces. So, here are the examples of common areas in apartment complexes –
- Lobby and reception
- Hallways and corridors
- Staircases
- Elevators
- Gardens, lawns, and parks
- Swimming pools and gyms
- Community halls and banquet halls
- Terrace
- Utility areas
Now, let’s understand why common areas in apartments are important and necessary for every apartment complex.
Also Read: Common Area Maintenance (CAM) Charges
Importance of Common Areas in Residential Societies
The common areas of the building has a crucial role to play in improving its appearance and functionality. It also helps elevating the living experience of the residents. So, here are some of the crucial points related to this –
Improves social interaction
Common areas in residential societies are the place that helps to improve social interaction between residents and foster a community spirit.
Promotes recreational activities
Common areas also play a vital role in organising various functions within the society. Starting from pujas to new year night celebrations, everything can be organised in these areas. Also, personal functions like wedding, birthdays, anniversary, etc., can be planned in such areas.
Better aesthetics
Common areas like gardens and lawns when well-decorated improves the aesthetic appeal of the society. With beautiful trees and water bodies they create a more pleasant living experience.
Enhances security
Buildings with dedicated fire exit, and evacuation meeting points adds an extra layer of security. So, common areas like these are important to elevate the sense of security in a complex.
Increase the value of the property
Buildings and residential complex with well-designed common areas attracts the buyers easily. Also, properties like these fetch a higher market value, helping you get better return on your investment.
What Are The Common Area Rules In Apartment?
Now, the answer of this question will vary from one society to another. Usually, the every residential complex sets its own common area rules in apartments that residents have to follow. This set of norms mostly include usage and maintenance related regulations.
Having said that, here are some pointers that you need to keep in mind as a resident, or society administrator –
Maintenance of the common area
The maintenance of the common area in apartments is the responsibility of every resident. Since this space is used by everyone, they must contribute to manage the upkeep of the place. Now, keeping this in mind, housing societies have created maintenance funds, where they put money periodically that takes care of the costs required to look after this space.
Using the common room/community hall/banquet hall
Today, every housing complex has a community hall that they can use for different functions. Now, in some cases, the societies decides to charge a small fee as rent for the space, which they use for different purposes. But, that must be implemented after a consensus from every resident.
Common area cannot be converted
In terms of common area rules in apartments, it is important to note that this space cannot be converted into anything else. So, under no circumstances this place can be used for official or personal purpose permanently. Residents can use the space temporarily, but they need to vacate it right after.
The terrace is for all
The roof of the apartment buildings remains under the ownership of the residents. Therefore, stopping someone from accessing it is an illegal practice. As per the floor area ratio, the terrace of the building is not included in the measurement of the flats, hence, they cannot be sold separately. However, if the terrace space is not part of a community area, then it remains private and can be sold separately.
Access to the common area in apartments is transferable
The access to the common areas in the housing societies is transferable through lease and sale of the property. However, the new resident must take care of the maintenance charge of the space.
Parting Thoughts
The common area in apartments is an integral part of the residential society. Therefore, proper maintenance and respectful usage of the space is important to ensure a harmonious and hygienic environment. However, with NoBrokerHood, society administrators can now streamline the upkeep and surveillance of the common area. Through this app, societies can maintain visitor records, keep tab on the security, schedule maintenance and payment of utility and establish seamless communication, leading to a better living experience of the residents.
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