Skip to main content

The Top 6 FAQs About Strata Common Areas

Published Date

Overview shot of a row of houses

An increasing number of people are choosing to live in a Strata Corporation to enjoy the benefits of community living, such as well-maintained neighbourhoods and camaraderie with other residents. One way Stratas facilitate relationship-building among residents is through the use of common areas.

Stratas are built upon the concept of community, and offering shared spaces where residents can connect, relax, and engage in recreational activities makes them some of the most sought-after housing models in the industry. To learn more about these shared spaces, get answers to the top six frequently asked Strata common area questions below. 

1. What Is an Strata Common Area?

Strata common areas are community spaces that residents can access within the neighbourhood. These areas are available to all homeowners for use and enjoyment as part of their strata membership.

While all Stratas are unique and offer different amenities, some common area examples
include:

  • Swimming pools

  • Fitness centers

  • Clubhouses

  • Business centers

  • Community parks

  • Playgrounds

  • Tennis courts

  • Pickleball courts 

In addition to Strata amenities, other spaces in the community that aren’t located on private lots are also considered common areas. For example, sidewalks, streets, parking lots, shared building hallways, and elevators fall into the Strata common area category. In contrast, properties owned by individual residents aren’t common areas.

2. What Are Strata Common Area Rules?

Every association establishes bylaws and rules or their community’s common areas. These specific rules are included in the strata governing documents of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions  provides instructions on things like:

  • How residents should use the common areas

  • Who is allowed in the shared spaces.

  • The hours of operation 

  • Safety warnings and restrictions 

As members of the Strata Corporation, homeowners must agree to follow common area guidelines to help prevent injuries and damage. This is why the Strata council must share common area rules and remind residents of their responsibilities within these community spaces.

3. Who Owns Common Areas in an Strata Corporation?

Strata common areas are equally owned by all the homeowners in the community. Each
owner pays regular strata fees that go towards strata operations and common area maintenance, giving them an equal share of ownership. Because of this, residents can vote and influence decisions regarding the strata common shared areas and amenities.

However, there may be exceptions in various types of communities. Some shared elements in townhome or condo associations   are more limited or exclusive than the general community areas found in single-family home Stratas. Refer to your governing documents for details on who owns and has access to shared spaces in your community.

Condo community with sidewalk

4. Who Is Responsible for Strata’s Common Area Maintenance?

While homeowners share interest and ownership in Strata common areas, the responsibility of maintaining these shared spaces and amenities generally falls on the Strata Corporation. The council members consists of volunteer homeowners who are elected to oversee the Strata operations, including maintenance and repairs in common areas.

Outlined in the association’s CC&Rs, the council’s common area duties may include:

  • Creating a community maintenance calendar

  • Completing regular Strata inspections of shared spaces

  • Scheduling common area landscaping upkeep

  • Reviewing and addressing maintenance requests

  • Ensuring enough reserve funds are set aside for major repairs or improvements

  • Working with qualified repair and maintenance professionals

Depending on the size of your community, the Strata Council may also work with a volunteer
committee, community manager, or third-party company to maintain common areas. Proper  maintenance is key to resident satisfaction, strong property values, and user safety.

5. Are Strata’s  Common Areas Safe To Use?

Keeping shared areas safe with regular maintenance is a priority for any community. When
amenities are in disrepair, or the council fails to fix a reported issue, it can lead to legal problems for the association. It’s also frustrating for homeowners who pay Strata fees to deal with hazardous conditions in common areas.

With so much at stake, Strata Corporations typically do everything to keep shared areas and amenities as safe as possible. The Strata Council will take steps to improve safety in community spaces, such as:

  • Replacing dated equipment regularly

  • Checking common area lighting and locks

  • Keeping shared spaces clean and free of clutter

  • Repairing issues as soon as possible

  • Restricting access until repairs or improvements are complete

  • Providing a quick and easy way for homeowners to report safety concerns.

6. Who Pays for Common Area Insurance

Comprehensive strata insurance protects homeowners if an accident occurs on community grounds. When an unforeseen event causes property damage or personal injury Strata insurance will usually cover the expenses associated with the incident.

But who pays for Strata Insurance and does cover common areas?

The cost of strata insurance is included in homeowners’ monthly strata fees so there is no additional expense to residents who are up to date with their dues. Carrying this type of policy, typically provides coverage for property damage and liability expenses in shared community spaces, including pools, parks, and playgrounds.