Michigan Condominium Law

Document Amendments January 19, 2017

Is it Time to Revisit Restrictions on Home-Based Businesses in Condominium Associations?

What do Apple Computer, Mary Kay Cosmetics, and the Ford Motor Company all have in common? These corporations all started out as home-based businesses.  With recent technological gains, more individuals are not only working from home but, in fact, more than half of all U.S. businesses are based out of an owner’s home[1].  In addition, with technological advances, many tasks…
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Uncategorized October 20, 2016

Proposed Amendment to the Michigan Condominium Act: House Bill 5980 (2016) Would Require Mediation of Disputes Prior to Initiating Litigation Under MCL 559.154

Michigan House Bill 5980 was introduced on October 19, 2016. House Bill 5980 would amend MCL 559.154, Section 54 of the Michigan Condominium Act, and require that all disputes between co-owners and/or the Association, including those that involve the interpretation of the condominium documents, be submitted to mediation prior to any party commencing a lawsuit, unless the dispute is submitted…
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Uncategorized October 11, 2016

The Michigan Condominium Act: Time for a Change

The Michigan Condominium Act was enacted in 1978 and is now over thirty-five years old. While significant amendments were made to the Michigan Condominium Act in 2001 and 2002, the Michigan Condominium Act does not currently meet the needs of various stakeholders as it is outdated and disorganized. In 2015 and 2016, the Michigan Legislature introduced five (5) bills that…
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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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Uncategorized July 21, 2016

MI Court of Appeals Rules that Treasurer Cannot Foreclose on Common Elements

The Michigan Court of Appeals concluded that the trial court correctly set aside the judgment of foreclosure as it was void as a matter of law.  Specifically, the judgment could not have prospective application as it attempted to divide the limited common element garages from the units, which was not allowed pursuant to MCL 559.137(5).  Accordingly, Michigan condominium associations should…
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