2017

Condo & HOA Insurance November 20, 2017

Michigan COA Rules that Condo Association’s Insurance Policy May Cover Water Damage Resulting from Construction Defects

In Walters Beach Condominium Association v Home-Owners Insurance Company, unpublished opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued November 16, 2017 (Docket No. 335172), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that water damage caused by construction defects may be covered under a condominium association’s insurance policy.  At issue was a rain storm caused water damage to 4 units in the Walters…
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Condominium Document Enforcement November 1, 2017

Michigan Court of Appeals Rules that Modular Home Violates Restrictive Covenants

UPDATE:  This opinion was subsequently reversed by the Michigan Supreme Court on July 24, 2019 in a 5-2 decision.  A copy of the Supreme Court's opinion can be found here.In Thiel v Goyings, unpublished opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued August 8, 2017 (Docket No. 333000), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that the construction of a partially prefabricated…
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Uncategorized September 28, 2017

WXYZ Interviews Kevin Hirzel on Enforcing HOA Restrictions

WXYZ Detroit (Channel 7) recently interviewed Kevin Hirzel regarding the enforcement of HOA Restrictions and the importance of understanding the restrictions before buying into an HOA.  Purchasers that buy a lot in a deed restricted community that has a Homeowner's Association are on constructive notice of any recorded restrictions and will generally be bound by them, except for a few…
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Rental & Leasing Restrictions September 21, 2017

Michigan Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of HOA on Short-Term Rental Ban

Short-term rental websites such as AirBNB, Booking.com, FlipKey, HomeAway, Homestay, House Trip, Roomorama, Tripping.com, Trivago, VBRO and VayStays have become an increasing concern for Michigan condominium and homeowner’s associations that are populated by full time residents. The rise of short-term rental websites has led owners and investors to seek out extra income by renting their property on a nightly basis.…
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