Condominium Bylaws

HOA Bylaws March 8, 2017

What Happens When Condominium Documents Conflict?

When purchasing a condominium unit in Michigan, buyers are often surprised at the number of legal documents governing not only the condominium project itself, but also the association tasked with administering, managing and maintaining the condominium. Given the length and complexity of most governing documents, there can be conflicting provisions by, amongst and within the governing documents. This article explores…
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Deed Restrictions October 19, 2016

Can Clearly Unenforceable Deed Restrictions Create Potential Liability for Your Association?

In 1948, the United States Supreme Court in Shelley v. Kraemer, 334 U.S. 1 (1948) declared that racially restrictive deed restrictions violated the Fourteenth Amendment and would not be enforced by the courts. However, it remained legal for property owners and realtors to discriminate on the basis of race privately. It took a full twenty years after the Supreme Court’s…
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Animals August 30, 2016

Pet Size or Weight Restrictions in Michigan Condominiums

When drafting or amending condominium bylaws, the Restrictions section—typically Article VI of the Condominium Bylaws—often garners the most feedback, review or modification. One of the key provisions within the Restrictions section addresses pet restrictions including: the registration of pets with the association, not allowing pets loose on the condominium premises, co-owners must clean the dog’s feces so as not to…
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Fair Housing July 28, 2016

What Community Associations Should Know About the Fair Housing Act and Its Impact on Pool Rules and Regulations

With the summer heat wave in full force, it is nice to enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool to cool down.  Also, pools are not only good for cooling down but also provide numerous other benefits, including family time without the distractions of today’s technology, fitness training, stress relief, therapy and helping to keep children active.  Additionally, community pools…
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Condominium Document Enforcement July 13, 2016

Architectural Control: Sculptures, Statues, Lawn Ornaments, Birdbaths, and Other Items on the Common Elements or Lots

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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