Townhouses:

• Structure: Townhouses are usually multi-story homes that share one or two walls with adjacent units but have their own entrances. They often look like row houses.
• Ownership: Owners typically own both the interior and exterior of their unit, including the land it sits on.
• HOA Fees: There might be Homeowners Association (HOA) fees for maintaining common areas, but owners are generally responsible for their own front and back yards.
• Space: They often provide more space than condos, including small yards or patios.

Condos (Condominiums):

• Structure: Condos are usually part of a larger building or complex, where units are stacked above and below each other. They share walls, ceilings, and floors with neighboring units.
• Ownership: Owners generally own only the interior of their unit. The exterior and common areas (like hallways, lobbies, and amenities) are owned collectively by all condo owners through the HOA.
• HOA Fees: HOA fees are often higher for condos because they cover maintenance of common areas and shared amenities (such as pools, gyms, and landscaping).
• Space: Condos often have less space compared to townhouses and might lack private outdoor areas.

The choice between the two can depend on what you value more: privacy and space (townhouse) or amenities and low maintenance (condo).

what the policy?

Townhouses:

1. Homeowners Association (HOA) Policies:
   • Fees: Townhouse communities typically have an HOA that charges fees for maintaining common areas and amenities.
   • Rules and Regulations: These can cover aspects such as exterior maintenance, landscaping, noise restrictions, and modifications to the property.
   • Maintenance Responsibilities: Owners are generally responsible for the upkeep of their individual property, including front and back yards.
2. Property Maintenance:
   • Exterior Changes: Policies often require approval from the HOA for any significant changes to the exterior of the townhouse.
   • Common Areas: The HOA handles maintenance of shared spaces like streets, landscaping, and recreational areas.
3. Parking:
   • Assigned vs. General Parking: Townhouse communities might have assigned parking spots or general parking rules. Some communities may have restrictions on the number of vehicles or guest parking.

Condos:

1. Homeowners Association (HOA) Policies:
   • Fees: Condo communities have HOA fees that cover maintenance of shared areas and amenities, such as elevators, lobbies, and pools.
   • Rules and Regulations: These can include restrictions on noise, pet ownership, and modifications to the interior of the unit. They may also include guidelines for the use of common areas.
2. Maintenance Responsibilities:
   • Interior vs. Exterior: Owners are typically responsible for maintaining the interior of their unit. The HOA manages the exterior of the building and common areas.
   • Modifications: Any major changes to the unit (such as remodeling) often require HOA approval.
3. Parking:
   • Assigned Parking: Many condo complexes provide assigned parking spaces. Policies may include restrictions on the number of vehicles per unit and rules for guest parking.
4. Amenities:
   • Usage: Policies usually govern the use of shared amenities (like gyms and pools), including hours of operation and reservation procedures.
5. Renting Out Units:
   • Leasing Policies: Many condo communities have rules about renting out units, including limits on the number of units that can be rented at any given time and procedures for leasing.

Each community will have its own set of rules, which are typically outlined in the HOA’s governing documents, such as the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs) and the Bylaws. If you’re considering buying or renting a townhouse or condo, it’s a good idea to review these documents carefully to understand the specific policies that apply.