2023

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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Board of Directors October 5, 2023

Til Death Do Us Part, Or Do We?: Collecting Community Association Assessments from a Deceased Owner in Michigan

The 2021 Michigan Community Association Fact Book (the “Fact Book”) compiled by the Foundation for Association Research estimates that from July 1, 2019, to July 1, 2021 the Michigan population aged 65 and over residing in Community Associations increased from 17.7% to 18.1%.  These percentages exceeded the national average for Community Association residents aged 65 and over by 1.2% in…
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Technology & Security September 12, 2023

Should Your Condo Association Allow Ring Doorbell Cameras?

For better or for worse, we live in a society where security cameras are everywhere.  With the rise of technology companies such as Amazon and Google, security cameras are now available to the average consumers.  For under $200.00, anyone can now buy a doorbell camera that can record high-definition video (day or night) and audio with noise cancellation.  Coming from…
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Condo and HOA Assessments August 23, 2023

Guidelines for Preparing Your Association Budget

Preparing an annual budget is essential for the financial stability of community associations. However, not all associations know how to effectively create an association budget. To help you with this task, here are some guidelines that will make preparing your budget a straightforward process:  Create a Budgeting Committee: While it’s the board’s responsibility to create the budget, assembling a committee…
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Board of Directors August 1, 2023

Enhancing Community Safety and Financial Planning: New Reserve Study Standards

Community Associations play a vital role in managing and maintaining the shared assets of their members. However, ensuring the safety and longevity of these properties requires meticulous planning and budgeting. In response to the tragic incident at Champlain Towers South, the Community Associations Institute (CAI) has taken decisive steps to promote safer and financially sound buildings. CAI’s newly released Reserve…
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