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 Massachusetts, condominiums are governed by the Massachusetts Condominium Act (Chapter 183A of the Massachusetts General Laws). Under this act, each condominium unit owner has an individual ownership interest in their unit, as well as a shared interest in the common areas of the property, such as lobbies, roofs, and other amenities. The operation of the condominium is managed by a homeowners' association (HOA), which is typically run by a board of directors elected by the unit owners. The HOA is responsible for the maintenance of common areas, and it is funded by monthly fees or dues collected from the unit owners. These fees cover expenses such as repairs, landscaping, and insurance for the common areas. The HOA's powers and responsibilities, along with the rights and obligations of the unit owners, are outlined in the condominium's declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations, which must comply with state law.