Category Archives: Property Managers

COVID-19: How Should Condominium and Homeowners Associations Handle Coronavirus?

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On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the coronavirus outbreak (“COVID-19”) a pandemic. On March 12, 2020, Governor Whitmer ordered all K-12 schools closed through April 6, 2020 and numerous major sports events, concerts, plays and trade shows throughout Michigan have been postponed or cancelled altogether. As COVID-19 becomes more widespread, community associations are asking how this pandemic

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Common Contract Provisions with Contractors/Vendors in Michigan Condominium Associations and HOAs

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Each year, the Board of Directors for Michigan condominium and homeowners associations make a multitude of difficult decisions regarding what work needs to be done within the association, what vendors to hire to perform various tasks, and how long those contracts should exist. Examples of the common contracts that the Board of Directors may execute on a routine basis include:

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Legal Update: Slip and Fall on Condominium Premises

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Over the last four years, there have been numerous Michigan Court of Appeals decisions addressing slip and falls on the Condominium Premises. Given that Michigan’s weather is turning colder by the day, the risk of significant personal harm on slippery snow and ice only increases. As a continuation in this series regarding slip and falls on the Condominium Premises in

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Who is Responsible for Carrying Insurance on a Condominium?

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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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Residential Use v. Non-Residential Use in Michigan Condominiums

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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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#communityassociationstoo: Community Associations’ Liability for Sexual Harassment Under HUD’s Hostile Environment Rules

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In the summer of 2013, Kayla West began looking for a house to rent in Georgia. She came across a rental home owned by DJ Mortgage, LLC, and contacted Gene Andrews, DJ Mortgage, LLC’s property and leasing manager. Ms. West entered into a lease agreement for the rental property, and between August 2013 and October 2013, Ms. West alleged that

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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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