Deed Restrictions

October 10, 2022

Michigan Court Rules Amendment of Restrictive Covenants is Based on Plain Language and Not Reasonableness

On July 14, 2022, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued a new opinion regarding how restrictive covenants can be terminated in Schwintek, Inc v High Top Buds, LLC, unpublished per curiam opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued July 14, 2022 (Docket No. 357152). In Schwintek, the Court of Appeals examined the process by which restrictive covenants which contain an…
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August 17, 2022

Can a Voluntary Homeowners Association Enforce Restrictive Covenants?

Most homeowners associations require that owners within the subdivision be members of the association.  While these types of homeowner associations are the norm, they are not the only type of homeowners associations in existence.  A voluntary homeowners association is just that, an HOA where membership is voluntary.  But as a voluntary homeowners association, some members may believe that the association’s…
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July 2, 2019

Residential Use v. Non-Residential Use in Michigan Condominiums

In Michigan, many condominium documents contain a limitation that a Unit may be used for "residential purposes" only. Historically, an owner or the developer of a parcel of property could impose reasonable building, use, and occupancy restrictions on a parcel of property subject to public policy limitations. Kaczynski v. Lindahl, 5 Mich App 377; 146 NW2d 675 (1996). Lately, the…
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January 21, 2019

Amending Deed Restrictions: Giving Meaning to Successive Terms Without Ignoring Declarant Intent

Introduction Restrictive covenants in Michigan are valuable property rights and have been effectively used to assist in the orderly development of Michigan communities.  The rights contained in restrictive covenants are used by developers to implement their community visions and by property owners to protect and enhance the value of their homes.  Once adopted these provisions often require unanimous consent to…
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