Introduction For many people, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will make in their lifetime. While owning real estate should be considered an investment, it should also be viewed as a risk. Aside from the risk that the property will decrease in value, every homeowner should consider the risk that the property could be destroyed, as well as
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The Michigan Condominium Act, MCL 559.101, et seq., contains specific procedures for the termination of a condominium. If a developer has not sold any condominium units, MCL 559.150 permits the developer to unilaterally terminate a condominium project. If the developer has sold units, MCL 559.151 sets forth the voting process for terminating a condominium project. This article will discuss the
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Introduction In Michigan, the laws related to the governance of the formation and operation of condominium projects are found in the Michigan Condominium Act (the “Act”), MCL 559.101, et seq. MCL 559.205 of the Act requires a condominium association to maintain a “reserve fund,” to be set aside for major repair and replacement of the common elements. MCL 559.205 provides:
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In Michigan, condominiums consist of either units or common elements. Common elements are further subdivided into two categories: general common elements and limited common elements. Under most Michigan condominium documents, the difference between general common elements and limited common elements is important to determine who is responsible for maintaining, repairing and replacing damage to various areas of the condominium, which
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A few years ago, I wrote an article titled “Legal Update: Slip and Fall on the Condominium Premises: Does the Condominium Owe a Statutory Duty to Its Co-owners?” The article centered around a 2015 published decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals in Francescutti v Fox Chase Condominium Association, 312 Mich App 640; 886 NW2d 801 (2015), which held that a
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When a developer starts a project in Michigan, often it is easier/cheaper to create a site condominium or a homeowner’s association (“HOA”) rather than platting single family homes. As the developer sells enough units, control of the site condominium or HOA transfers to the homeowners in the project. Once the transition occurs, it is the homeowners’ responsibility for making sure
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Numerous condominiums in Michigan restrict (or outright ban) sculptures, statues, lawn ornaments, birdbaths or other items pursuant to the condominium documents. Many of these provisions were drafted by the developer when creating the condominium in order to provide uniformity during the sales process. Likewise, many declarants subject a platted subdivision to deed restrictions that also restrict or ban the use of
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