Being a Board member of a condominium association can often be a thankless job: you receive all the complaints and are the face of every perceived issue that has ever happened or will ever happen in the condominium. And when things run smoothly or problems are resolved, there is no parade in your honor. Board members volunteer their time and…
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Disputes over whether fences that violate restrictive covenants are a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act are often tricky for condominium and homeowners associations to navigate. Requests for fences related to individuals with disabilities are becoming more common, as many HOA bylaws prohibit fences, only allow fences for pools, or limit the type of fence that can be installed…
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Summer is approaching, and one of the top priorities for Michigan HOAs and condo associations this time of year is opening up their swimming pools. There are many items to check off the list to get your pool ready for the summer: checking for damage, cleaning the pool, testing the water, inspecting the equipment, getting permits, and so on. An…
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When buying a condominium in Michigan, one crucial question often arises: Who is responsible for unpaid assessments—the seller or the buyer? Michigan law, specifically MCL 559.211, does provide some protection for buyers, but a recent case from the Michigan Court of Appeals, Holcomb v. Harbour Pointe Condo. Ass’n, makes clear that this protection only goes so far. It does not…
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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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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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