Brandan Hallaq

Community Association Governance & Meetings July 11, 2019

Are HOA or Condo Board Decisions Valid Without Annual Meetings in Michigan?

On July 2, 2019, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an Opinion in Channel View East Condominium Association, Inc v Gregory V Ferguson, unpublished per curiam opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued July 2, 2019 (Docket No. 344149). The issue presented to the Court in Channel View was whether a condominium association’s board of directors had authority to take…
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Condominium Document Enforcement 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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Condominium Maintenance March 28, 2018

Mailboxes in Michigan Condominiums and HOAs

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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Condominium Document Enforcement January 10, 2018

Enforcing Speed Limits in Michigan Condominium and Homeowners Associations

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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Board of Directors December 14, 2017

Should Your Community Association Have a Holiday Party?

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.
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