In a homeowners association (HOA), an owner owns their home and the entire lot it is on. The association owns and maintains the common areas.
A condominium (condo) is a type of real estate ownership where individuals own their individual units plus a portion or percentage of the common areas, such as the building exterior, pool, and elevators, are maintained collectively by the residents through a condo association.
A townhome, on the other hand, can be either an HOA or a condo. A townhome is not a legal description but commonly refers to attached housing with shared walls.
To determine whether you live in a condo, HOA, or townhome, you can start by reviewing your deed, mortgage documents, or lease agreement. These documents should provide information about the type of ownership structure and any fees or assessments you are responsible for paying.