November 2023

Condo & HOA Legislation November 29, 2023

Navigating the CTA:  A Guide for Condos and HOAs to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act

March 1, 2024 – Federal Court rules that the Corporate Transparency Act is Unconstitutional: What does it mean for Community Associations? Read our updated blog article. The Corporate Transparency Act is a federal law that was enacted in 2021 to stop individuals in foreign countries from illegally moving money into the United States.  The Corporate Transparency Act creates new reporting…
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Bylaw & Covenant Enforcement November 29, 2023

Can A Michigan Condominium Association Collect Attorney Fees for Bylaw Violations?

In Michigan, the responsibility for attorney fees and costs in litigation typically lies with the parties involved. Following the ‘American rule,’ attorney fees are not recoverable unless expressly allowed by statute, court rule, common-law exception, or contract. Dessart v. Burak, 470 Mich. 37, 42, 678 N.W.2d 615 (2004); Grace v. Grace, 253 Mich.App. 357, 370–371, 655 N.W.2d 595 (2002),” Reed…
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Board of Directors November 21, 2023

What Every Condo or HOA Needs To Know About Emotional Support Animals

Over the last several years, emotional support animals have been a continuous source of speculation and confusion for many Michigan condo and HOA boards. We all have seen the news stories of individuals attempting to bring animals such as squirrels and even alligators into places of public accommodation under the claim that they are emotional support animals. Many will read…
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Community Association Governance & Meetings November 14, 2023

What You Need to Know About Handling Conflicts of Interest on Your Michigan Condo Board

A condominium association is governed by its board of directors.  In Michigan, it is common that members of a board of directors are uncompensated volunteers.  It is also common that co-owners elect board members who have a particular set of skills or knowledge relevant to running a condominium, whether that be knowledge of accounting, construction, or management.  When a condominium…
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Condo & HOA Legislation November 6, 2023

Michigan Condominium Act Amendments: Enhancing Financial Transparency and Security for Condo Associations

In an effort to strengthen the financial stability of condominium associations in Michigan, the state legislature has introduced a bill to amend the Condominium Act of 1978. This amendment, specifically targeting section 105 (MCL 559.205), aims to enhance the financial accountability and security of condo associations across the state. The Necessity for the Amendment The proposed amendment comes as a…
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Board of Directors November 1, 2023

Condominium Association Funds and Capital Projects: Walsh v Hawthorn Hills Owners of Rochester, Inc.

Introduction             Boards of Directors of community associations are often charged with the responsibility of maintaining the capital assets of the corporation and administering the community itself.  This responsibility involves difficult decisions regarding the spending and raising of association funds, especially when it comes to capital improvement projects.  Recently the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a decision in Walsh v Hawthorn…
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