Default rule and exceptions
Windows, exterior doors, doorframes and their hardware are, by statute, exclusive use common area (Civil Code § 4145): they serve one unit but are legally common area. Civil Code § 4775(c) splits the duty, the owner maintains the exclusive use common area appurtenant to the unit, and the association repairs and replaces it, unless the declaration provides otherwise.
| Party | What they are responsible for |
|---|---|
| Property owner | Routine maintenance and cleaning of the window/door serving the unit. Note: CC&Rs frequently reassign full replacement to owners, read the declaration. |
| City / public agency | By statutory default the association repairs and replaces the exclusive use common area. Per Civil Code § 4775(c): "the association is responsible for repairing and replacing the exclusive use common area." |
| Exceptions | The CC&Rs may reassign window/door replacement to the owner; Facade-affecting replacements usually route through the association architectural process |
What the source says
Last verified against the primary source on Sep 27, 2026.
a portion of the common area designated by the declaration for the exclusive use of one or more, but fewer than all, of the owners... shutters, awnings, window boxes, doorsteps, stoops, porches, balconies, patios, exterior doors, doorframes, and hardware incident thereto, screens and windows.
the owner of each separate interest is responsible for maintaining the exclusive use common area appurtenant to that separate interest and the association is responsible for repairing and replacing the exclusive use common area.
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Common questions
Who pays for hoa / condo windows & doors in Statewide, CA?
Responsibility is shared. Routine maintenance and cleaning of the window/door serving the unit. Note: CC&Rs frequently reassign full replacement to owners, read the declaration.
Are there exceptions in Statewide, CA?
The CC&Rs may reassign window/door replacement to the owner; Facade-affecting replacements usually route through the association architectural process
What is this based on for Statewide, CA?
This verdict is sourced to California Civil Code § 4145 (exclusive use common area) and 2 sources in total, each independently re-checked before publication.
Sources
- California Civil Code § 4145 (exclusive use common area)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
- California Civil Code § 4775(c)statute · verified-primary · accessed 2026-09-11
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