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Court rules that the Michigan Condominium Act permits bylaws to allow for an Association to recover attorney’s fees for defending a lawsuit

Posted on April 16, 2019 by Kevin Hirzel

In Stadler v Fontainebleau Condominiums Association, unpublished opinion of the Court of Appeals, issued April 11, 2019 (Docket No. 343303), the Michigan Court of Appeals held that the plain language of the condominium bylaws permitted the condominium association to recover attorney’s fees and costs for successfully defending a co-owner’s lawsuit. The court further held that the condominium bylaws were enforceable

HOA violates the Fair Housing Act by denying a service animal in the clubhouse

Posted on April 4, 2019 by Kevin Hirzel

In Sanzaro v Ardiente Homeowners Association, et. al., Docket No. 2:11-CV0-1143-RFB-CWH, 2019 WL 1049380 (D Nev, March 5, 2019), a federal court imposed a judgment of $350,000 in compensatory damages, $285,000 in punitive damages and awarded the plaintiffs attorney’s fees and costs against their homeowners association. Based upon the facts of the case, the court determined that the homeowners association

Avoiding Religious Discrimination Claims in Condominiums and HOA’s

Posted on March 5, 2019 by Kevin Hirzel

Overview of Religious Discrimination under the Fair Housing Act The Federal Fair Housing Act (“FHA”), 42 U.S.C. §3601, et. seq. prohibits a condominium association or homeowners’ association from discriminating against a potential purchaser or an owner based upon religious beliefs. 42 U.S.C. §3604 provides in pertinent part: As made applicable by section 3603 of this title and except as exempted

Legal marijuana: How will it impact Michigan condominium associations?

Posted on December 6, 2018 by Kevin Hirzel

Michigan became the 10th state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana when voters approved Proposal 1 and enacted the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (the “Act”) on November 6, 2018. The highlights of the Act are as follows: A person that is at least 21 years or older may possess or consume marijuana. A person may possess

MCL 559.234 and Mich Admin R 559.111: Know the rules related to shared recreational facilities in Condominiums

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Kevin Hirzel

Recreational facilities in condominiums are often one of the many amenities that draw potential purchasers to a particular condominium. Co-owners enjoy the use of recreational facilities such as barbeques, basketball courts, boat launches/slips, clubhouses, gyms, parks, picnic areas, pools, private lakes, saunas, spas or tennis courts in many condominiums. Many recreational facilities are common elements that are located within a

Can a Michigan condominium ban solar panels?

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Kevin Hirzel

Approximately 25 states have adopted some form of a solar access statute that makes it illegal for condominium bylaws to contain a provision that completely bans the installation of solar panels. There are approximately 15 different states that have adopted solar easement statutes that uphold the validity of contractual easements for solar access. A full list of states that

Wi-Fi issues in your condominium association or HOA

Posted on June 13, 2018 by Kevin Hirzel

Wi-Fi has become a necessity for almost anyone who lives in a condominium association. However, the law is often slow to evolve to new technologies and many master deeds or declarations were drafted before Wi-Fi even existed. As a result, potential legal issues related to Wi-Fi use are rarely addressed in the governing documents of community associations. Accordingly, condominium and

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