Condo vs. Apartment: What's the Difference?

The words apartment and condo (short for condominium) are often used interchangeably, but in real estate terms, apartments and condos are not the same. While some define a condo as owned and an apartment as rented, a condo can actually be rented out by its owner... Confusing, right?

In this guide, we’re here to clear up the key differences between a condominium and an apartment — and why it may matter to you as a renter.

The main difference between a condo and an apartment is that the former is owned (and potentially rented) by an individual in a building of other condos, while the latter is most likely located in a building of similar units all owned by one person or company. We break it down further below.

A condo is a privately owned unit within a residential building or community of other privately owned individual units. Each condo unit in a condo building or condo complex is usually owned by one person who can live in the unit themselves or rent it out, depending on the condo association rules.

Which brings us to the next question: What's a condo association? As part of condo ownership, individuals of a condo community become part of its condo association (often referred to as a homeowners association or HOA). The condo association is responsible for the governing rules of the condo community and the upkeep of all landscaping, common areas, grounds, and the condo building at large. To cover these costs, each condo owner must pay a monthly HOA fee set forth by the condo association. Meanwhile, the cost of maintaining the interior of each condo is the sole responsibility of each unique owner.

Like a condo, an apartment is a unit in a building that contains multiple units. However, unlike in condo buildings where a different person typically owns each unit, in an apartment building, all the apartments are generally owned by the same property owner. This single property owner either manages the entire building on their own or, more commonly, hires an individual property manager or property management company to do so on their behalf. This is the main difference between the two.

In apartment complexes, there's no owner's association or HOA fee above and beyond the monthly rent to help cover the cost of building upkeep. The apartment owner is responsible for all maintenance issues within each apartment's interior, as well as the building's exterior, common areas, and grounds.

Another difference between apartments and condos is that all units in an apartment building are more or less the same, whereas it's more likely to find customization in finishes and layouts among different condos in the same complex.

When choosing between living in a condo or an apartment, here are 6 things that renters should take into consideration.

1. Availability

Before you get your heart set on renting a condo, it's worth noting that HOAs often limit the number of units that can be rented within a condo community at any given time. Some HOAs even ban rental properties entirely, so you may not have luck finding one the next time you are apartment hunting.

2. Community

When you rent a condo, you'll be residing among many individuals who own their units, resulting in a neighborly vibe. Between pride of ownership and the HOA fees, residents of condo communities may also take better care of the common areas than your average apartment renter. Renting can give you a taste of these perks without having to pay a down payment for a condo of your own. However, with community comes responsibility — not to mention rules.

3. Rules

While there are certainly perks to condo living, there are also restrictions. Every condo building or condo complex is governed by a set of rules and regulations spelled out in a document called the Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (a.k.a. CC&Rs or the declaration). For example, there may be pet limitations, noise restrictions, trash disposal requirements, and more. Of course, not all apartments allow pets either.

4. Amenities

Some apartment buildings may include amenities such as free parking, a fitness center, a laundry room, or a pool. However, in some cities, renters are much more likely to find these types of amenities in large condo communities. If an amenities upgrade is important to you, you may find the perks of living in a condo appealing.

5. Cost

The cost of renting an apartment tends to be fairly straightforward. Most apartment lease agreements require a security deposit, plus the first and last month's rent upfront. Generally, utilities are not included in the monthly rent. When renting a condo, there can be a bit more variability in the lease agreement due to the fact that renters are dealing with an individual landlord rather than a large property owner. Different condo owners may require different upfront payments. Condo owners may also be more open to negotiating. Unlike in apartment rentals, the monthly rent for a condo usually includes the HOA fee and utilities. Note that HOA fees vary by condo community. The more high-end the complex and amenities, the higher the monthly payment to the HOA.

6. Landlord

In a condo rented out by an individual property owner, renters can develop a more personal connection with their landlord. Sounds good, right? Well, that all depends on the personalities involved. While some condo owners are responsive, willing, and able to accommodate renter needs, that's not always the case. When leasing a rental unit from a larger company, the landlord is typically a professional property manager. As such, they may be able to resolve issues such as repairs more quickly and efficiently thanks to their experience and relationships with maintenance and service providers.

Now that you know the difference between a condo and an apartment, the question is, which one is right for you? Whatever you decide, don't be afraid to ask questions, and be sure to read the lease agreement carefully before making your next move.