Quick Answer
A condominium complex is a development where each owner holds title to an individual unit and shares ownership of common areas with the other owners. An owners association, run by an elected board, manages the shared property under recorded governing documents. The buildings can be high-rises, low-rises, townhome-style, or even detached homes, because condo status is a form of ownership, not a building style.
How Ownership Works in a Condo Complex
Buying a condo gives you two things. First, you own your unit, which is a defined space described in the project documents. Second, you share an interest in the common areas, such as grounds, hallways, roofs, and amenities. Your share and your responsibilities are set by the recorded documents, so two complexes can work quite differently.
Michigan: the master deed
Under the Michigan Condominium Act, the master deed is the document that records the condominium project. The bylaws and the condominium subdivision plan are attached to it as exhibits. The statute says a master deed must include a legal description of the land, a statement of which units are served by limited common elements, the percentage of value assigned to each unit, and identification of the local government with which detailed architectural plans were filed (MCL 559.108). Your own documents explain how those percentages are used.
California: the declaration
California's Davis-Stirling Act lists a condominium project as one type of common interest development (Civil Code section 4100). It defines a declaration as the document, however denominated, that contains the information required by sections 4250 and 4255 (Civil Code section 4135). In California you will often hear this referred to as the CC&Rs. As in Michigan, a condominium plan or map shows the unit boundaries.
Who Maintains What?
Responsibility is divided between the owner and the association, and the split is spelled out in the documents. Common patterns include:
| Item | Often handled by |
|---|---|
| Interior of the unit, fixtures, and finishes | Owner |
| Building structure, roofs, and exterior | Association |
| Grounds, parking areas, and shared amenities | Association |
| Limited common elements, such as a balcony or assigned parking | Depends on the documents |
| Master insurance policy | Association; coverage scope varies |
| Personal property and interior improvements | Owner, usually through an individual policy |
These are patterns, not rules. Unit boundaries in particular differ between complexes, and the line between the owner and association can be drawn at the paint, the drywall, or somewhere else. Read your own documents and talk to your insurance agent about what your policy should cover.
How the Association Runs the Complex
The association is typically a nonprofit corporation made up of all unit owners. Owners elect a board, which adopts a budget, collects assessments, and enforces the rules. Many boards hire a management company to handle operations. For more background, see what a condo association is, what property management is, and condo association vs HOA fees.
Fees pay for shared expenses and future repairs. What is included varies, so review the budget and reserve information before buying. Our post on what HOA fees cover lists typical items.
Condo Complex vs. Apartment Complex
An apartment complex typically has one landlord and rents units out. A condo complex has many individual owners and an association. Some condo owners rent their units, and associations often regulate that. Learn more in condo vs apartment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a condominium complex the same as an HOA?
Not exactly. A condominium is a type of ownership. The association that runs it is often called a condo association, and it has some differences from a typical HOA. See HOA vs condo association differences.
Do I own the land under my condo?
Generally you own your unit and share an interest in the common areas, which can include the land. The details are set in your recorded documents.
What is a master deed?
In Michigan, it is the recording document for the condominium project, with the bylaws and subdivision plan attached. California uses a declaration instead.
Who pays for roof repairs in a condo?
Often the association pays from the budget or reserves, but your documents decide. Some limited common elements are the owner's responsibility.
Can a condo complex be made up of houses?
Yes. Condo status is about how ownership is structured, so a project can contain detached homes if it was legally created as a condominium.
How APM Helps
Association Property Managers manages community associations (HOAs, condos, and townhomes) in Michigan and California. Our team supports boards with rules enforcement, vendor oversight, budgets, and owner communication. Learn about our association management services, review our pricing, or request a free proposal. We deliver proposals within 3 business days. Call 810.777.7060.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws and documents vary by community; ask an attorney about your situation. Last verified October 25, 2026.
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