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 Wisconsin, condominiums are governed by the Wisconsin Condominium Ownership Act (Wis. Stat. § 703.01 to § 703.33). This law outlines the creation, alteration, management, and termination of condominiums. Each condominium unit owner has an exclusive ownership interest in their unit and a shared interest in the common elements of the property, such as lobbies, roofs, and other amenities. The condominium association, often structured as a homeowners' association (HOA), is responsible for the management of the common areas, and it operates through a board of directors elected by the unit owners. The association's declaration and bylaws, which must comply with state statutes, set forth the rules for governance, the rights and obligations of the unit owners, and the details regarding the payment of monthly dues for the upkeep, insurance, and repair of common areas. Unit owners are legally obligated to adhere to the HOA's regulations and to pay the required dues, which fund the maintenance and insurance of the shared property.