Exterior Maintenance Responsibilities

Who handles roofing, siding, painting, and exterior repairs

Maintenance & Repairs 10 min read

Exterior maintenance responsibilities are a critical aspect of HOA living. Understanding who maintains roofs, siding, painting, and other exterior elements helps you budget properly and avoid disputes. Responsibilities vary significantly between condominiums and planned communities.

Condominiums: HOA Maintains Most Exteriors

In condominiums, HOAs typically maintain:

Roofing

  • Roof structure and materials
  • Roof repairs and replacements
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Roof maintenance and inspections
  • Waterproofing and sealants

However, owners may be responsible for:

  • Interior damage from roof leaks (in some cases)
  • Damage caused by owner modifications

Exterior Walls and Siding

  • Exterior wall maintenance
  • Siding repairs and replacement
  • Stucco or brick maintenance
  • Exterior painting
  • Caulking and sealing

Windows and Doors (Exterior)

  • Window frames and sills (exterior)
  • Exterior door maintenance
  • Window and door replacement (in some cases)
  • Weatherstripping and seals

Note: Interior glass and mechanisms are often owner responsibility.

Planned Communities: Owners Maintain Exteriors

In planned communities (single-family homes), owners typically maintain:

Roofing

  • Entire roof system
  • Roof repairs and replacements
  • Gutters and downspouts
  • Roof maintenance

Exterior Walls and Siding

  • All exterior wall maintenance
  • Siding repairs and replacement
  • Exterior painting
  • Stucco, brick, or other exterior finishes

Windows and Doors

  • All window and door maintenance
  • Window and door replacement
  • Weatherstripping and seals

Maintenance Schedules

Understanding typical maintenance schedules helps with planning:

Roofing

  • Inspections: Every 1-3 years
  • Minor Repairs: As needed
  • Replacement: Every 15-30 years depending on materials
  • Maintenance: Annual cleaning and inspection

Exterior Painting

  • Frequency: Every 5-10 years
  • Preparation: Scraping, priming, and repairs
  • Color Approval: May require ARC approval

Siding Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Annual or bi-annual
  • Repairs: As needed
  • Replacement: Every 20-40 years

Common Exterior Maintenance Items

Roofing

  • Shingle or tile replacement
  • Flashing repairs
  • Gutter cleaning and repair
  • Roof leak repairs
  • Vent and chimney maintenance

Siding and Walls

  • Painting or staining
  • Crack or damage repairs
  • Caulking and sealing
  • Cleaning (power washing)
  • Material replacement

Windows and Doors

  • Window replacement
  • Weatherstripping replacement
  • Frame repairs
  • Door maintenance
  • Hardware replacement

Determining Responsibilities

To determine who's responsible:

  1. Review CC&Rs: Check governing documents for specific provisions
  2. Check Bylaws: May contain maintenance provisions
  3. Review Maintenance Policies: HOA may have written policies
  4. Ask the HOA: Request clarification from management
  5. Check State Law: Some states have specific requirements
  6. Consult an Attorney: For complex situations

Special Situations

Damage from Natural Disasters

Responsibility may depend on:

  • Insurance coverage
  • Governing document provisions
  • State law
  • Cause of damage

Damage Caused by Owner

If owner actions cause exterior damage:

  • Owner typically responsible for repairs
  • May be charged back to owner
  • Insurance may cover some costs

Shared Elements

For shared walls or structures:

  • May be HOA responsibility
  • Costs may be shared
  • Check governing documents

Budgeting for Exterior Maintenance

If you're responsible for exterior maintenance:

  • Create a Maintenance Fund: Set aside money for repairs
  • Plan for Major Expenses: Roof and painting are costly
  • Get Regular Inspections: Catch problems early
  • Maintain Insurance: Ensure adequate coverage
  • Get Multiple Quotes: For major repairs

Common Disputes

Exterior maintenance disputes often involve:

  • Roof Leaks: Who pays for interior damage?
  • Window Replacement: HOA vs. owner responsibility
  • Painting: When and who pays?
  • Damage Boundaries: Where does responsibility begin/end?
  • Timing: When must maintenance be performed?

Before You Buy

When evaluating a property:

  • Review maintenance provisions in CC&Rs
  • Inspect exterior condition
  • Ask about recent exterior work
  • Understand your maintenance obligations
  • Budget for exterior maintenance costs
  • Check maintenance history
  • Inquire about planned exterior projects

Conclusion

Exterior maintenance responsibilities significantly impact your costs and obligations as a homeowner. By understanding who maintains what, reviewing governing documents, and budgeting appropriately, you can avoid disputes and ensure proper property upkeep. Before purchasing, thoroughly review maintenance provisions and ensure you understand and can afford your responsibilities.