A condominium is a single unit of real estate—usually a home or residence—in a multi-unit residential development in which each owner of a unit has both a separate ownership interest (often everything inside the front door)—and a common ownership interest (with other unit owners) in the common areas of the property outside the front door—such as roofs, hallways, driveways, walkways, stairways, stucco, brick, paint, stone, and landscaping.

A condominium development is usually governed by a homeowners’ association (HOA) through its board of directors, elected by the homeowners as provided by the HOA’s declaration and bylaws. Unit owners or homeowners in the association are required to pay monthly HOA dues for the maintenance and repair of the common areas of the property and its insurance.

In Alabama, condominiums are regulated under the Alabama Condominium Act, which provides the legal framework for the creation, management, and operation of condominium developments. Each condominium unit owner has an individual ownership interest in their unit and a shared interest in the common areas such as roofs, hallways, and landscaping. The governance of these developments is typically handled by a homeowners' association (HOA), which operates through a board of directors elected by the unit owners. The HOA is established according to the declaration and bylaws of the association, which set forth the rules for management and the responsibilities of the unit owners, including the payment of monthly dues. These dues are used for the upkeep, maintenance, and insurance of the common areas. Alabama law requires the HOA to adhere to certain standards and procedures in its operations, and provides unit owners with specific rights and obligations regarding their individual and collective interests.