Articles published by:

Hirzel Law

Deed Restrictions October 19, 2016

Can Clearly Unenforceable Deed Restrictions Create Potential Liability for Your Association?

In 1948, the United States Supreme Court in Shelley v. Kraemer, 334 U.S. 1 (1948) declared that racially restrictive deed restrictions violated the Fourteenth Amendment and would not be enforced by the courts. However, it remained legal for property owners and realtors to discriminate on the basis of race privately. It took a full twenty years after the Supreme Court’s…
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Animals & Pets August 30, 2016

Pet Size or Weight Restrictions in Michigan Condominiums

When drafting or amending condominium bylaws, the Restrictions section—typically Article VI of the Condominium Bylaws—often garners the most feedback, review or modification. One of the key provisions within the Restrictions section addresses pet restrictions including: the registration of pets with the association, not allowing pets loose on the condominium premises, co-owners must clean the dog’s feces so as not to…
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Bylaw & Covenant Enforcement July 13, 2016

Architectural Control: Sculptures, Statues, Lawn Ornaments, Birdbaths, and Other Items on the Common Elements or Lots

Numerous condominiums in Michigan restrict (or outright ban) sculptures, statues, lawn ornaments, birdbaths or other items pursuant to the condominium documents. Many of these provisions were drafted by the developer when creating the condominium in order to provide uniformity during the sales process. Likewise, many declarants subject a platted subdivision to deed restrictions that also restrict or ban the use of…
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Community Association Governance & Meetings June 1, 2016

Quorum Issues in Michigan Condominium Associations

Typically in the spring or fall, Michigan condominium associations hold annual meetings to elect directors, distribute financial statements to the Co-owners and otherwise provide an update to the membership regarding the status of the condominium.  All too often, the annual meeting is sparsely attended due to Co-owner apathy, which may result in your condominium failing to meet quorum requirements.  This article…
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Financial Issues, Budgets & Reserves April 12, 2016

Taxes in Your Michigan Condominium or Homeowners’ Association: Is Your Association Current with the IRS?

As April 15th approaches, many Michigan residents are reviewing various sources of gross income, tax credits and tax deductions in order to prepare individual or joint income tax returns.  In addition to personal income taxes, newer directors may be unaware that their condominium or homeowners’ association is also required to file federal income taxes on an annual basis.  For the…
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