Technology & Security May 10, 2017

PREEMPTION! The FCC’s Adoption of the OTARD Rules and Their Application to Condominium and Homeowners Associations

In Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the “Act”), Congress directed the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) to adopt rules concerning Over-the-Air Reception Devices (“OTARD”) in order to provide limitations and guidance on governmental and non-governmental restrictions on viewers’ ability to receive certain over the air telecommunications.  In October 1996 the FCC adopted 47 CFR § 1.4000 (the "OTARD…
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Maintenance Repairs & Common Elements May 5, 2017

MCL 559.139: Transferring Limited Common Element Parking Spaces in Michigan Condominiums

In densely populated urban areas in Michigan, it is not uncommon for a co-owner to sell another co-owner a parking space at a premium when parking space is limited.  However, condominium associations and co-owners often confuse the process of selling units with the process of selling a limited common element parking space.  In determining the proper procedure for selling a…
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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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Bylaw & Covenant Enforcement March 31, 2017

HB 4446 Allows Michigan Condominium Associations to Enforce Restrictions and Defend Lawsuits

HB 4446 will make it easier for condominium associations to enforce routine bylaw violations, collect assessments and defend themselves in litigation. Most co-owners would expect a condominium board to handle routine matters such as bylaw violations, collecting assessments or defending lawsuits, and co-owner apathy should not prevent condominium associations from handling these types of matters.
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Financial Issues, Budgets & Reserves March 29, 2017

Paris Meadows, LLC v City of Kentwood: Objecting to the Taxation of Common Elements

Introduction In Michigan the question of whether the common elements of a condominium are taxable appears to be well-settled.  In Paris Meadows, LLC v City of Kentwood, 287 Mich App 136; 783 NW2d 133 (2010), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that pursuant to Section 131 of the Michigan Condominium Act, MCL 559.231, property taxes may only be assessed against…
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