Larger Condo Unit Pays More But Uses Less

E.D. from outside of Connecticut writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

I live in a two-story townhome built into a condo building. The condo building has a separate entrance, interior hallways, trash collection, elevators, and a covered parking garage that I cannot access or use. The community declaration gives me a large percent interest in the building common elements due to my square footage, which means I pay more in assessments to maintain the condo only amenities than the people actually putting wear and tear on the building. Is there anything I can do to make my percent interest reflect my actual cost footprint in the building?

Mister Condo replies:

E.D., in a word, “no”. The percentage of unit ownership you alluded to in your question is the defining document that describes which unit owners pay which percentage for common fees. The formula is part and parcel of what is purchased when you buy your particular unit within the association. It is the only formula prescribed in the governing documents. It is unfortunate that you are getting tagged with a larger fee for portions of the property that you do not use but the liability of those items is substantial and if they were not properly maintained, your liability would also be greater. It is ultimately in your best interest that these items are properly maintained even if you don’t see a direct benefit from their use and maintenance. On the up side, it sounds like you have a nice, large unit to enjoy. All the best!