There is a worrying trend of new bankruptcy filings locally and nationally. The Eastern District of Michigan (covering the metro Detroit area) saw a 7% jump in new bankruptcy filings in 2024 compared to 2023. In March 2025, new bankruptcy cases nationally increased...
Requests by co-owners to alter or modify their units—or adjacent common elements—are among the most frequent and challenging issues faced by condominium associations. For board members and property managers, responding to these requests requires careful consideration,...
Updated March 3, 2025 Community associations may finally be saved from filing BOI reports under the Corporate Transparency Act. We are glad to announce that on March 2, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department has determined "...with respect to the Corporate Transparency...
The Michigan Homeowners' Energy Policy Act: What Board Members and Managers Need to Know If you are a board member or manager of a Michigan community association, you need to know how to comply with the Homeowners' Energy Policy Act, which becomes effective April 2,...
Evan Alexander joined the MAGWV team 10 years ago, and during that time, he has steadily established himself as an authority on community association law. He is a frequent presenter on community association law topics, including seminars held by United Condominium...
In a notable decision issued on October 10, 2024, the Michigan Court of Appeals in Neuman v Long Lake Shores Ass’n, No 368648 (Mich Ct App Oct 10, 2024) upheld a trial court ruling in favor of MAGWV’s association client in a contractual dispute brought by a group of...
MAGWV has successfully argued that an above ground “swim spa” constitutes an above ground “swimming pool” and is therefore prohibited when an association’s governing documents prohibit above ground swimming pools. In Hills of Oakland Subdivision Association v....
Association boards have legal, financial, and ethical responsibilities for the organization they lead. Individual directors in turn have a legal duty to act with due care in their service to the association. This involves attending meetings, providing legitimate...
On July 11, 2024, the Michigan Supreme Court issued a pivotal decision in Janini v. London Townhouses Condominium Association that directly affects how co-owners can pursue claims against condominium associations. In this landmark decision, the court ruled that a...
The State of Michigan adopted Public Act 68 of 2024, known as the "Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act" (the “Act”). Its effective date is April 2, 2025. This Act impairs the ability of condominium and subdivision associations (referred to in this article as “community...
The primary allure of social media in community associations lies in its ability to foster enhanced communication. Platforms like Nextdoor and Facebook groups offer a space for neighbors to share information — from community events to security alerts — and foster a...
Tenants in condominium communities are often viewed as challenging, since they may not be familiar with condominium living. Because of this lack of experience, tenants may interfere with management, refuse to maintain the decorum required by the bylaws, or damage...