HOA common area maintenance: What it is, who does it, and when it happens

Keeping a neighborhood beautiful isn’t magic. It’s maintenance. In a homeowners association (HOA), that often means taking care of shared spaces everyone uses and enjoys. From the landscaping at the entrance to the pool you relax by in summer, these are called common areas. And their upkeep matters. For safety, for appearance, and for property value.

What counts as a common area?

The term “common area” can vary between communities, but most HOAs include spaces and amenities that all residents can access:

• Sidewalks, paths, and parking lots
• Pools, fitness rooms, and clubhouses
• Playgrounds, parks, and landscaped entryways
• Elevators, lobbies, and shared hallways in condo buildings

Some communities even have tennis courts, lakes, or community gardens. The bigger the list of amenities, the more maintenance is needed, and the more important it is to stay organized.

Who is responsible for common area maintenance?

In most HOAs, the association itself – meaning the board and its vendors – takes care of general common areas. The costs usually come from homeowner dues.

For limited common areas (like a shared stairwell used by only a few units) or exclusive use elements (like one unit’s balcony), the governing documents decide who maintains what. Sometimes the HOA handles repairs; sometimes the homeowner does.

If you’re unsure, check your HOA’s bylaws or CC&Rs. Or better yet, look at a HOA maintenance responsibility chart which is a clear way to see who’s in charge of each item.

How often should common areas be maintained?

Some tasks need daily attention, like cleaning lobbies or checking pool water quality. Others, such as repainting building exteriors, may only happen every few years.

A solid HOA maintenance checklist can help track what needs doing and when. Common timelines include:

• Daily/weekly: Trash collection, cleaning, basic landscaping
• Monthly/quarterly: Playground inspections, light bulb checks, gutter cleaning
• Annually: Roof inspections, pavement sealing, major landscaping updates

Typical maintenance tasks

Every HOA is different, but most will need to handle:

• Cleaning: Keeping hallways, clubhouses, and shared areas tidy
• Landscaping: Mowing, planting, pruning, and seasonal flowers
• Repairs: Fixing sidewalks, fences, or equipment
• Utilities: Maintaining shared lighting, water systems, or heating for amenities
• Safety checks: Inspecting play structures, pool equipment, and security lighting

Good maintenance doesn’t just keep things looking nice. It helps avoid bigger (and more expensive) repairs later.

Why it matters

Neglecting common areas can hurt property values, create safety hazards, and lead to unhappy residents. A well-kept community feels more welcoming and shows buyers that the neighborhood is cared for.

It’s also about fairness. Everyone pays into the HOA, so everyone should see their contributions reflected in the upkeep of shared spaces.

Tips for smoother maintenance

1. Have a clear schedule: Use a shared calendar so nothing gets missed.
2. Keep good records: Log maintenance dates, vendors used, and costs.
3. Get homeowner feedback: Residents often spot problems first.
4. Budget realistically: Set aside enough funds for both routine upkeep and surprise repairs.

What to do if maintenance isn’t happening

If you notice a problem:

• Check if the HOA is responsible (look at the governing documents).
• Submit a maintenance request in writing.
• Follow up at board meetings.
• If problems persist, the board may need new vendors, better scheduling, or even professional management help.

Planning for seasonal maintenance

Not all maintenance happens year-round. Many tasks are tied to the seasons, and planning ahead helps avoid last-minute stress and unexpected costs. In spring, landscaping crews can refresh flower beds, trim shrubs, and prepare irrigation systems. Summer is the time for pool upkeep, repainting outdoor structures, and repairing sidewalks or parking lots while the weather is good. Fall often means leaf removal, gutter cleaning, and checking heating systems. Winter maintenance focuses on snow removal, de-icing walkways, and ensuring safe access to shared areas. By creating a seasonal plan, your HOA can schedule vendors early, budget more accurately, and keep common spaces in great shape no matter the time of year.

Bottom line

HOA common area maintenance is about protecting your neighborhood’s value and making it a great place to live. By knowing what’s included, who’s responsible, and when it needs to be done, your board – and your community – can keep things running smoothly year-round.

And a pro tip: If you have common amenities that should be bookable your community can use the facility management and booking system inside Anyhoa.