Articles published by:

Hirzel Law

Community Association Governance & Meetings January 20, 2026

How to Check if Your Michigan Condominium Association is in Good Standing with LARA

Introduction Most Michigan condominium associations are nonprofit corporations formed under the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act, MCL 450.2101 et seq. (the “Nonprofit Corporation Act”), and often fail to realize they’ve fallen out of good standing with the State of Michigan. The Nonprofit Corporation Act requires all nonprofit corporations to file an annual report by October 1st each year. Under the Nonprofit…
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Bylaw & Covenant Enforcement October 23, 2025

Do Michigan HOAs Have Authority Over Private Parks in Platted Subdivisions?

What Michigan Homeowners’ Associations Should Know About Private Park Ownership Overview The Michigan Court of Appeals recently issued an important opinion for Michigan homeowners’ associations and lake communities across the state. In Sutton v Nakfoor, unpublished per curiam opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued July 11, 2025 (Docket Nos. 372485 and 372489), the Court ruled that when a subdivision…
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Maintenance Repairs & Common Elements September 16, 2025

When Do Lakefront Homeowners Associations Need Permits for Seasonal Boat Docks?

Michigan Court of Appeals Clarifies HOA Lake Access: Do You Need a Permit for Seasonal Boat Docks? Introduction For homeowners associations (HOAs) managing lakefront or shared access to Michigan’s inland lakes, one of the most pressing questions is whether installing or operating docks requires state permits. This question is especially relevant for HOAs whose members use seasonal docks for boating…
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Condo & HOA Insurance July 24, 2025

Workers’ Compensation Insurance for Michigan Condo Associations and HOAs: Legal Requirements & Risk Management

Many Michigan condominium associations and HOAs understand the value of general liability or directors and officers insurance. However, another type of coverage, workers’ compensation insurance, is less well-known but can be extremely valuable. Whether your community association has staff, hires vendors, or relies on volunteers, it’s crucial to know when workers’ compensation insurance is legally required in Michigan and when…
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Condominium Document Enforcement May 19, 2025

Brusher v. Bay Harbor Yacht Club: What Michigan Condo Boards Need to Know About Mandatory Membership

When you purchase property in a master-planned resort community, it’s easy to assume that all amenities such as yacht clubs, golf courses, or clubhouses are simply part of the package. But what happens when the fine print in your master deed obligates you to become a member of a private club, and then that club changes? That’s exactly what happened…
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Condo & HOA Collections May 9, 2025

Top 5 Actions for HOA and Condo Boards After an Owner’s Bankruptcy Filing

In 2024, over 500,000 bankruptcy cases were filed in the U.S., a 14% increase from the prior year. With 2025 expected to bring even more filings, many condominium and HOA boards are facing a harsh reality: how to handle bankrupt owners while staying compliant with federal law and protecting the association’s finances. Missteps in handling bankruptcy can cost your association…
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