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 California, condominium ownership is regulated by both state statutes and the governing documents of the condominium's Homeowners' Association (HOA). Each condominium owner has an individual ownership interest in their unit, as well as a shared interest in the common areas such as roofs, hallways, and landscaping. The common areas are managed by the HOA, which is typically run by a board of directors elected by the unit owners. The Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act is the primary California law governing condominiums and other common interest developments, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the HOA and the unit owners. This includes the enforcement of the HOA's declaration, bylaws, and rules, as well as the collection of monthly dues from homeowners for the upkeep of common areas and insurance. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal action by the HOA, and disputes are often resolved through the association's internal processes or through litigation.