Common Area Agreement Definition

Common area agreement (CAA) is a legal document that specifies the rules and regulations of shared spaces in a property. It is an essential part of a property owner`s agreement, as it lays out the responsibilities of each party and ensures that everyone is aware of their rights and obligations.

The common areas include spaces like lobbies, corridors, elevators, parking lots, and any other shared spaces that are not part of a tenant`s private space. In general, the CAA is used in commercial real estate to manage and regulate the usage of common areas by tenants and landlords in business properties.

The CAA outlines the terms of use and responsibilities for all parties involved in the shared spaces. The document usually covers the following areas:

1. Definition of Common Area: The document defines which areas of the property are considered common areas. This ensures that there can be no confusion about who has access to these spaces, and how they can be used.

2. Maintenance and Repairs: The CAA specifies the party responsible for maintaining and repairing the common areas. This is important to ensure that the spaces remain safe and functional for everyone who uses them.

3. Use and Access: The agreement outlines who has access to the common areas and how they can be used. This helps to prevent disputes and ensures that everyone using the space is aware of the rules and regulations.

4. Responsibilities: The CAA also outlines the responsibilities of each party involved in the shared spaces. This could include things like keeping the area clean, not causing damage, and following any safety regulations.

5. Dispute Resolution: In the event of a dispute, the CAA outlines how the parties involved should approach the resolution process. This could include mediation, arbitration, or other methods of dispute resolution.

In conclusion, a CAA is an essential part of any commercial real estate agreement, as it helps to manage and regulate the usage of shared spaces. It is important to have a clear definition of the common areas, as well as an understanding of each party`s responsibilities, to ensure that everyone using the space can do so safely and effectively. If you are involved in a property agreement that includes shared spaces, make sure you have a comprehensive CAA in place to protect your rights and obligations.