A perfect example of a common element is a green space or a pool area, and the HOA solely maintains this. The HOA controls common elements. That means the HOA can make rules and regulations pertaining the area (For example, no off leash animals on the green or no running on the pool deck). A common element is insured by the HOA. A limited common element is a common element that is restricted for the exclusive use of one or more but less than all of the unit owners. So all limited common elements are common elements, but not all common elements are limited common elements. Probably the easiest example of a limited common element is a parking space.