Master Deed Explained
What is a Master Deed?
The Master Deed is the legal document that formally establishes a condominium in Massachusetts. It records the property’s transition from sole ownership (often as a multi-unit building) into individual condo units with shared common areas.
Filed at the local Registry of Deeds, the Master Deed outlines the boundaries of each unit, the description of common areas (like hallways, roofs, or elevators), and the overall structure of ownership within the building or development.
🔑Key Components of a Master Deed
A Master Deed lays the legal groundwork for how a condominium operates. Here are the core elements you’ll typically find:
1. Unit Definitions and Boundaries
It specifies what parts of the property are privately owned units versus shared common areas, including vertical and horizontal boundaries (walls, ceilings, floors).
2. Common Areas and Amenities
The deed outlines which spaces are jointly owned—like lobbies, stairwells, yards, parking areas, and amenities such as pools or clubhouses.
3. Ownership Percentages
Each unit is assigned a percentage interest in the condominium’s common areas. This percentage affects monthly fees, voting rights, and how costs are shared.
4. Rules for Amendments
The Master Deed includes a process for making changes to the document itself, typically requiring a vote by the unit owners or condo association.
💡 Why the Master Deed Matters
For buyers, reviewing the Master Deed ensures you understand what you're purchasing and what rights and responsibilities come with it. For sellers, disclosing this document is part of a transparent and legally compliant transaction.
Massachusetts condominium law (M.G.L. Chapter 183A) requires that all condo communities have a Master Deed and bylaws to define the property’s legal structure. This helps protect owners, clarify shared expenses, and support smooth property management.
FAQ’s
What is a Master Deed in a condominium?
A Master Deed is the legal document that officially creates a condominium and defines each unit’s boundaries and the common areas. It’s recorded at the local Registry of Deeds in Massachusetts.
What are “common areas” in the Master Deed?
Common areas are spaces shared by all unit owners, such as lobbies, roofs, hallways, and amenities like garages or courtyards.
What does the Master Deed include?
It outlines unit descriptions, shared common areas, each unit’s ownership percentage, and how the condo is structured legally.
Can a Master Deed be changed?
Yes, but it usually requires a formal vote or approval by a certain percentage of unit owners, as outlined in the document itself.
Why is the Master Deed important for buyers?
It helps buyers understand exactly what they own versus what is shared, and clarifies their rights, responsibilities, and potential costs.
How does the Master Deed affect condo fees?
Your unit’s ownership percentage, as detailed in the Master Deed, determines your share of condo fees and assessments.