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 North Dakota, condominiums are regulated under the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC), specifically Chapter 47-04.1, known as the Condominium Ownership Act. This act outlines the creation, alteration, and management of condominiums. Each unit owner has an exclusive ownership interest in their unit and a shared interest in the common areas. The common areas are typically managed by a homeowners' association (HOA), which is governed by a board of directors elected by the unit owners. The HOA is established through a declaration and bylaws, which set forth the rules for the operation of the association, the rights and obligations of the unit owners, and the maintenance of the common areas. Unit owners are required to pay monthly dues to the HOA for the upkeep of these common areas, as well as for insurance and other shared expenses. The specific rights and responsibilities of unit owners and the HOA are detailed in the governing documents of the condominium association, which must comply with state law.