Category Archives: Property Managers

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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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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Enforcing Speed Limits in Michigan Condominium and Homeowners Associations

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Introduction The overwhelming majority of condominium and homeowners associations in Michigan govern residential developments. Accordingly, many community associations have concerns about residents or guests traveling at excessive speeds throughout the neighborhood. With the growing utilization of common interest communities, more and more associations are seeking to create and enforce their own speed limits within their respective developments. For example, some

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Should your Community Association have a Holiday Party?

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Introduction With Christmas just around the corner, many community associations are currently planning parties to celebrate the holiday season. Holiday parties are a great way to bring the community together and converse with your neighbors. These parties frequently involve the catering of food and alcohol as well as live entertainment which helps foster community participation. While holiday parties are generally

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MCL 559.147: How to handle unauthorized co-owner modifications to the common elements

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Michigan condominium associations are often forced to deal with co-owners who are unfamiliar with condominium living, or in some instances, are not even aware that they live in a condominium that is governed by a master deed, bylaws or rules in regulations. As a result, it is not uncommon for a co-owner to unilaterally make modifications to the general common elements

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The Difference Between General and Limited Common Elements in Traditional and Site Condominiums in Michigan

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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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Security Cameras in Michigan Condominium Projects

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Whether inside a grocery store, at a gas station or even in your neighborhood, security cameras are everywhere in modern society.  As technology evolves and cheaper and better cameras come onto the market each year, Michigan condominiums are experiencing an increase in surveillance and/or security camera usage.  Security cameras raise significant legal questions that impact decisions made by the Board

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