Condominiums are group-owned buildings or complexes containing privately owned units. Not included in these individually held units are the common areas – such as a pool, a fitness center, or a clubhouse – of which each owner shares an interest.

Property taxes, maintenance, utilities, and insurance for the private units are the responsibility of the individual owners; insurance, taxes, staff and maintenance for the building as a whole, including the common areas, are the responsibility of the group, as represented by the Homeowner's Association or HOA. Each owner pays monthly dues to the HOA to cover these common area costs.

For information on the law surrounding condominiums, take a look at the 2007 Condominium Bluebook, the “complete guide to the operations of condominiums, planned developments and other common interest developments in California.”