Common areas in apartments are spaces used daily by all residents. Their condition directly impacts resident satisfaction, turnover rates, lease conversion rates, and property value, making them a critical factor that landlords cannot afford to overlook.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of common areas, including their definition and scope, how to choose a cleaning approach, common issues and how to address them, and the rules that should be established in advance.
What Are Common Areas in an Apartment? How They Differ from Private Spaces
Common areas are spaces that all unit owners (residents) are entitled to use. Under the Act on Building Unit Ownership, they are defined as all parts of a building other than individually owned units.
Statutory Common Areas
These are areas designated as common under the Act on Building Unit Ownership.
- Exterior corridors, stairways, entrances, elevators, and rooftops
- Structural elements such as the roof and exterior walls
- Verandas and balconies
Designated Common Areas
These are areas that could otherwise be privately owned but are treated as common areas under the building management rules. Examples include management offices, meeting rooms, storage rooms, and parking facilities.
Differences Between Private, Exclusive-Use, and Shared Areas
| Category | Definition | Examples | Management Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private area | The resident's personal living space | The entire unit (interior walls, floors, ceilings) | Resident (or landlord in rental properties) |
| Exclusive-use area | A common area designated for individual use | Veranda, private garden, front door | Landlord or management association |
| Shared area | Areas used collectively by all residents | Entrance, hallways, garbage collection area | Landlord or management association |
4 Benefits of Keeping Common Areas Clean
① Maintaining Property Value
Properties that are well managed and properly cleaned maintain their condition even as they age, making them less susceptible to depreciation compared to poorly maintained properties. This also works in your favor when it comes time to sell.
② Reducing Turnover and Vacancy Risk
Dirty entrances and hallways cause small frustrations to accumulate, which can become a reason for residents to move out. Keeping common areas clean improves resident retention and ensures stable rental income.
③ Improving Lease Conversion Rates
First impressions during property viewings are shaped by the common areas. When comparable properties exist in terms of age and rent, well-maintained properties tend to be chosen. The sense of reassurance — "this place is properly managed, so issues will be handled promptly" — also helps close leases.
④ Early Detection and Prevention of Deterioration
Regular cleaning provides an opportunity to inspect the building's condition, enabling early identification of damage or defects. Addressing issues while they are still minor helps keep large-scale repair costs in check.
Comparing Cleaning Methods: Self-Managed vs. Outsourced
| Self-Managed Cleaning | Outsourced Cleaning | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Monthly fee applies |
| Quality | Amateur level | Professional finish |
| Time commitment | High | None |
| Building condition awareness | Can inspect firsthand | Requires separate inspection |
| Best suited for | Landlords with time to spare | Landlords with busy primary occupations |
Even if you opt for outsourced cleaning, it is important to regularly inspect the building's condition yourself.
3 Types of Cleaning
- Routine cleaning (1 to several times per week) — Sweeping floors and stairways, picking up litter, tidying the garbage area
- Periodic cleaning (monthly to once every few months) — Machine floor washing, waxing, light bulb replacement, pruning of plants
- Specialized cleaning (a few times per year) — Drain pipe cleaning, high-reach cleaning, gutter cleaning
5 Common Issues in Shared Areas
① Abandoned Personal Belongings (Most Frequent Issue)
This refers to cases where umbrellas, bicycles, strollers, and similar items are left in hallways or stairways. The Fire Service Act stipulates that "nothing that obstructs evacuation may be placed in passageways," meaning such situations may constitute a violation of fire prevention ordinances.
② Unauthorized Use of Uncontracted Spaces
This includes using parking or bicycle spaces without a contract, or leaving bicycles in the entrance area. Such behavior inconveniences legitimate users and requires prompt action.
③ Violations of Garbage Area Rules
Examples include improper sorting, disposing of garbage outside designated collection days, and illegal dumping of oversized items. These issues can escalate into disputes with neighboring residents and are a persistent headache for landlords.
④ Smoking on Balconies
Since balconies are classified as common areas, smoking can be prohibited under the building management rules. Be sure to include explicit language such as "no open flames or smoking in common areas" in the rules.
⑤ Noise Complaints
Loud voices in hallways or stairways, and sounds from daily activity late at night or early in the morning, are frequent sources of conflict between residents. It is important to ensure that residents understand from the time of move-in that people with different schedules share the building.
How to Handle Common Area Issues: A 5-Step Approach
Step 1: Document the Situation
Take photographs. Including a dated newspaper in the shot strengthens its value as evidence.
Step 2: Post Notices on the Bulletin Board
Put up notices on bulletin boards or inside elevators. Once the situation improves, remove them promptly.
Step 3: Send Individual Written Notices
If the issue persists, send a written notice. Clearly state the rule or legal violation, the requested remedy, and a deadline for compliance. Also indicate that the landlord will remove the items after the deadline passes.
Step 4: Remove and Store Items Temporarily
If items remain after the deadline, remove them and store them for a set period. Notify the resident in writing of the removal and the storage deadline.
Step 5: Consult a Property Management Company or Local Authority
If resolution is not possible on your own, consult your property management company or the local government's community affairs division. When selecting a management company, confirm in advance how far they will go in handling disputes between residents.
⚠️ Note: Disposing of abandoned belongings without following due process may violate the principle prohibiting self-help remedies. Always allow a storage period and provide written notice before taking action.
Preventing Issues Before They Arise: Rules for Each Common Area
Entrance
- Remove dirt from shoes before entering
- Collect mail from shared mailboxes promptly (as a security measure)
- Report any suspicious individuals
Hallways and Stairways
- Do not leave personal belongings in the area (to keep evacuation routes clear)
- Refrain from speaking loudly late at night or early in the morning
Balconies
- Do not place large items that would obstruct evacuation
- Secure drying poles to prevent them from falling
- Clean drains regularly
Garbage Area
- Follow sorting rules, collection days, and collection times
- Use designated garbage bags
- Place bags from the back of the area forward
Parking and Bicycle Areas
- Parking or leaving bicycles outside designated spaces is prohibited
- Display the required management sticker (vehicles without one are subject to removal)
Summary
Common areas in apartments are spaces directly tied to residents' everyday lives. Keeping them clean supports property value, reduces turnover, and improves lease conversion rates. Handling issues appropriately forms the foundation of stable rental property management.
INA&Associates Co., Ltd. offers comprehensive support for property owners, from improving common area management to handling resident relations. Please feel free to reach out for a consultation.
