Category Archives: Bylaws

Is your Association Protected Against Theft, Embezzlement and Fraud?

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Condominium associations and homeowners associations collect assessments from homeowners earmarked for the benefit of the community.  However, there are times when board members, property managers or, more generally, thieves misappropriate or embezzle monies intended to benefit the community. In 2017, the treasurer of the Black Forest Estates Association in Traverse City, Michigan was initially charged with multiple felonies each involving

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HB 6304: HOA’s could not ban or require approval for solar panels, clothes lines or wind turbines

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On September 5, 2018, Rep. Sheldon Neeley introduced HB 6304 in order to invalidate provisions in the governing documents of homeowners’ association that ban “energy-saving improvements” or require approval from a homeowner’s association to install an “energy-saving improvement.” The proposed bill would be extremely problematic for Michigan community association’s for several reasons. First, HB 6304 is problematic as there may

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Can a Michigan condominium ban solar panels?

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  Approximately 25 states have adopted some form of a solar access statute that makes it illegal for condominium bylaws to contain a provision that completely bans the installation of solar panels. There are approximately 15 different states that have adopted solar easement statutes that uphold the validity of contractual easements for solar access. A full list of states that

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Wi-Fi issues in your condominium association or HOA

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Wi-Fi has become a necessity for almost anyone who lives in a condominium association.  However, the law is often slow to evolve to new technologies and many master deeds or declarations were drafted before Wi-Fi even existed.  As a result, potential legal issues related to Wi-Fi use are rarely addressed in the governing documents of community associations. Accordingly, condominium and

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Kevin Hirzel to speak at MACA Condominium Director Boot Camp in Livonia on 6/18/18

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  Michigan Association of Condominium Associations (MACA) Director Boot Camp (Livonia, MI) Date:         6/18/18 Time:        6:00pm to 8:00pm Location:  Livonia Public Library, 32777 5 Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154 Details:     Meet with MACA representatives and professionals, ask questions, and learn the ins-and-outs of operating a Michigan condominium association.  Common topics covered in a condominium director boot camp

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MACA Director Boot Camp in Livonia on 4/16/18 cancelled due to weather

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The below MACA director boot camp will be rescheduled for later in the Spring when winter finally goes away.  We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide an update on a new date. Michigan Association of Condominium Associations (MACA) Director Boot Camp (Livonia, MI) Date:         4/16/18 Time:        6:00pm to 8:00pm Location:  Livonia Public Library, 32777 5 Mile

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Mailboxes in Michigan Condominiums and HOAs

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In many Michigan condominiums and HOAs, the governing documents contain a provision creating an Architectural Control Committee (“ACC”) tasked with maintaining the overall aesthetics of structures within the community.  Normally, when an owner wishes to modify a structure, the owner may petition the association’s ACC for approval.  If the owner is denied the requested modification, this can lead to claims

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