Michigan HOA Law

Community Association Governance & Meetings January 31, 2017

How to Revive a Defunct Michigan Homeowners Association

When a developer starts a project in Michigan, often it is easier/cheaper to create a site condominium or a homeowner’s association (“HOA”) rather than platting single family homes. As the developer sells enough units, control of the site condominium or HOA transfers to the homeowners in the project. Once the transition occurs, it is the homeowners’ responsibility for making sure…
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Bylaw & Covenant Enforcement December 5, 2016

Michigan Court of Appeals Rules that Deed Restrictions Recorded Outside of the Chain of Title are Unenforceable

In Petersen Financial LLC v Twin Creeks LLC, issued November 22, 2016 (Docket No. 329019) (Published Opinion) the Michigan Court of Appeals held that deed restrictions that were not within the chain of title were not enforceable. In 2000, Twin Creeks, LLC owned the complete parcel of land that was located in the Twin Creek Development (hereinafter "Twin Creek"). In…
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Community Association Governance & Meetings May 26, 2016

Michigan Court of Appeals Rules that Unincorporated HOA May Govern Under Declaration

In Suttons Bay Yacht Village Condominium Association, et. al. v Board of Representatives of Port Sutton Community, et. al., Docket No. 325327 (May 19, 2016) (Unpublished Opinion), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that an unincorporated voluntary association had the legal authority to administer a declaration as a master homeowners association.  In 1982, a declarant recorded a declaration of covenant,…
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Construction Defects & Developer Turnover March 1, 2016

Michigan Court of Appeals Rules that HOA Developer is Subject to the Michigan Consumer Protection Act

In Liss v. Lewiston–Richard Inc, 478 Mich. 203; 732 NW2d 514 (2007), the Michigan Supreme Court held that a residential home builder was exempt from compliance with the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, MCL 445.901 et seq.  The Michigan Supreme Court reasoned that MCL 445.904(1)(a) exempted homebuilders from compliance with the Act as they were specifically authorized to build homes under…
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