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A South Carolina real estate agent is explaining condominium ownership to a buyer interested in a unit at a Pawleys Island development governed by the South Carolina Horizontal Property Act. The buyer asks who is responsible for maintaining the building's roof and exterior walls. What is the correct answer?

Correct Answer

B) The condominium association, because the roof and exterior walls are common elements

Under the South Carolina Horizontal Property Act (S.C. Code Ann. §§ 27-31-10 et seq.), the roof, exterior walls, and other structural components of a condominium building are classified as common elements. Common elements are owned collectively by all unit owners as tenants in common and are managed and maintained by the condominium association using assessments (dues) collected from unit owners. The association — not any individual unit owner — bears responsibility for maintaining, repairing, and replacing common elements.

Answer Options
A
The individual unit owner whose unit is directly below or adjacent to the affected area
B
The condominium association, because the roof and exterior walls are common elements
C
The developer retains responsibility for structural components for ten years after construction
D
The county government, because exterior building codes are enforced by local authorities

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

condominiumcommon_elementscondominium_associationhorizontal_property_actmaintenance

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