Articles published by:

Brandan Hallaq

Maintenance Repairs & Common Elements May 19, 2019

Vacating a Road or Alley under the Land Division Act

In Michigan, a significant portion of commercial and residential real estate development occurs through the creation of either subdivisions or condominiums. Typically, an owner of a large parcel of land will establish a condominium or subdivision as a means of dividing the land into various smaller lots (called “units” in a condominium) that can be individually sold. Although the more…
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Rental & Leasing Restrictions November 7, 2018

Michigan Court of Appeals Rules in Favor of Township in Zoning Ordinance Dispute Over Short-Term Rentals

On October 25, 2018, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an unpublished opinion in the matter of Concerned Property Owners of Garfield Township, Inc v Charter Township of Garfield, unpublished per curiam opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued October 25, 2018 (Docket No. 342831). The Garfield case involved the interpretation of a zoning ordinance that addressed short-term rentals of…
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Rules & Regulations January 10, 2018

Enforcing Speed Limits in Michigan Condominium and Homeowners Associations

Introduction The overwhelming majority of condominium and homeowners associations in Michigan govern residential developments. Accordingly, many community associations have concerns about residents or guests traveling at excessive speeds throughout the neighborhood. With the growing utilization of common interest communities, more and more associations are seeking to create and enforce their own speed limits within their respective developments. For example, some…
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Community Association Governance & Meetings December 14, 2017

Should Your Community Association Have a Holiday Party?

With Christmas just around the corner, many community associations are currently planning parties to celebrate the holiday season. Holiday parties are a great way to bring the community together and converse with your neighbors. These parties frequently involve the catering of food and alcohol as well as live entertainment which helps foster community participation.
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Maintenance Repairs & Common Elements June 27, 2017

The Difference Between General and Limited Common Elements in Traditional and Site Condominiums in Michigan

In Michigan, condominiums consist of either units or common elements. Common elements are further subdivided into two categories: general common elements and limited common elements. Under most Michigan condominium documents, the difference between general common elements and limited common elements is important to determine who is responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing damage to various areas of the condominium, which…
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Construction Defects & Developer Turnover April 20, 2017

What is a Disclosure Statement and What is Required?

In Michigan, condominium developers are required to provide several documents to prospective purchasers of a condominium. Pursuant to MCL 559.106, “Developer” is defined as “a person engaged in the business of developing a condominium project as provided in this act”. In addition to original developers, the Condominium Act imposes similar requirements upon “Successor Developers”. MCL 559.235 states in part “As…
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