Condominium associations with annual revenues exceeding $20,000.00 should take specific note that Section 57(2) of the Michigan Condominium Act provides that an independent certified public accountant must perform an annual review or audit of the association’s...
An increase in the number of electric vehicles, and more importantly, related charging equipment, is raising many questions for community associations. Is association approval required? What should boards be considering when evaluating electric vehicle charging...
A recent federal court decision in U.S. v. The Dorchester Owners Association, No. 20-1396 (E.D. Penn. Jan. 25, 2023), is instructive as to how boards of directors can put their associations at risk when they fail to make timely final decisions on accommodation...
Condominium and homeowner's associations are seeing an increase in the number of requests for accommodation of emotional support animals. That has correlated to rising numbers of disability discrimination lawsuits and claims of failure to accommodate. Educated board...
The Michigan Court of Appeals recently issued an opinion in Apache Hills Property Owners Association, Inc. v Sears Nichols Cottages, LLC (Docket No. 360554) which reconfirms how to interpret leasing and use restrictions. This case involved a dispute over the...
Keeping backyard chickens has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more people seek to live a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. But is it legal for Michigan community association residents to keep chickens in the backyard of their...
Updated as of March 28, 2023 As discussed in more detail below, the State legislature amended the Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA) in 2019. While many community associations may not be familiar with the MRTA since its provisions historically have not affected...
In community association administration, disparate impact claims can arise when a seemingly neutral policy or practice has a disproportionate negative impact on a group protected by fair housing laws. For example, communities occasionally ask us whether they can...
On March 16, 2023, Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a bipartisan bill officially expanding Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA), which bars discrimination in employment and housing sectors. The ELCRA now protects against discrimination based on an...
Please join us on March 15, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. for the United Condominium Owners of Michigan's free seminar series at the Doubletree Hilton Dearborn/Detroit (5801 Southfield Freeway, Detroit, MI 48228). Attorney Evan Alexander will be presenting Tips and Tricks for...
Please join Michigan community association attorneys Jeffrey Vollmer, Amy Smith, and James Tocco on Friday, March 3, 2023 for the 2023 CAI Michigan Annual Conference & Expo being held at the at the Suburban Collection Showplace – Diamond Center. Amy Smith will be...
Amy, who has been with our team for 7 years and is a recognized expert in real estate and condominium law, was named a “Go to Lawyer” by Michigan Lawyers Weekly in 2022. She also serves as co-chair of the Social Committee for the Michigan chapter of Community...