Construction Defects & Developer Turnover

January 2, 2020

Michigan Court Rules Condo Developer Lost Right to Build Units

If the developer, its successors or assigns did not complete the “need not be built” units with the statutory time periods, the right to construct the units would automatically terminate and the undeveloped land would remain as common elements if it was not withdrawn from the condominium.
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August 20, 2018

How to Avoid Construction Liens in Michigan Condominium Projects

Condominium associations hire contractors for capital improvements, repairs and for restoration work to the general and limited common elements, if appropriate. When a condominium association hires a contractor to provide labor, services or materials to the condominium and then fails to make payment for any reason, the contractor may record a construction lien against the condominium unit(s) in the condominium…
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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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February 13, 2017

Michigan Court Rules in Favor of Condominium Association in Interpreting Newly Amended MCL 559.167 (SB 610)

Kevin Hirzel recently scored an important victory for Michigan condominium associations in Cove Creek Condominium Association v Vistal Land & Home Development, L.L.C., et al., Oakland County Circuit Court Case No. 16-155706-CH (Order Granting Summary Disposition, Dated February 10, 2017).  The Oakland County Circuit Court held that the  MCL 559.167, as amended by 2016 PA 233, does not recreate “need…
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February 8, 2017

MCL 559.184: When Can a Purchaser Withdraw From an Agreement to Purchase a New Condominium?

Purchasing a new construction condominium is an exciting prospect for many people.  However, condominium purchasers are often provided with a large amount of information and requested to make numerous decisions in a short period of time.  In many instances, potential condominium purchasers are completely unfamiliar with condominium associations altogether.  While condominium living certainly has many potential benefits, some purchasers may…
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December 22, 2016

An Important Lesson For Condominium Developers

On December 15, 2016, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an unpublished opinion in the matter of Woodland Estates, LLC v. City of Sterling Heights and County of Macomb. The Woodland Estates case should be taken as a warning to developers. This case illustrates the importance of obtaining legal advice from an attorney throughout all stages of the development process. The…
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