Updated as of March 28, 2024 The Michigan State legislature amended the Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA) in 2019. While many community association boards and managers may not be familiar with the MRTA since its provisions historically have not affected community...
Insufficient parking in shared interest communities often leads to the inability to meet the parking requirements of all residents. While the adequacy of parking facilities may not have been a significant concern for community associations established in the 1970s or...
Public Act No. 187, adopted on November 7, 2023, establishes the Uniform Power of Attorney Act in Michigan, and takes effect July 1, 2024. The Act provides a structured approach to the creation and use of powers of attorney (POA). The following is a summary of its key...
Effective September 18, 2023, some updates were made to the eligibility criteria for condominium and cooperative projects by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Known formally as the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage...
Update as of December 23, 2024: Please see this article regarding the latest developments in litigation over the CTA. In a world where transparency and accountability have become paramount in both public and private sectors, the U.S. government has taken significant...
By Amy M. Smith and Todd J. Skowronski HB 5019 is a new bill pending in the Michigan House that will require condominium associations in the state to conduct periodic reserve studies to help plan for future repairs and replacements. The Community Associations...
By Amy M. Smith, MAGWV Partner Updated November 16, 2023 The Homeowners' Energy Policy Act was recently introduced in the Michigan State Legislature as HB 5028. The House of Representatives has narrowly approved the bill by a vote of 56-54. It will now move on to a...
The Board of Directors is charged with making the important decisions of the association. Whether it’s hiring a management company to deal with the day-to-day affairs of the association or making the tough decision to pass an additional assessment to cover the cost...
Managing Partner Stephen M. Guerra has been selected to the 2023 Michigan Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than 5% of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Additionally, attorney Evan M. Alexander has...
We are proud to announce that six of the firm's attorneys have received recognition in the 2024 editions of Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. (The year in parenthesis is the first edition year the lawyer was recognized by Best...
A responsibility matrix is a summary of association and co-owner responsibilities for maintenance, repair, and replacement of the condominium common elements and units. Because condominium master deeds, even when clearly drafted, can be complicated and often...
In a significant ruling that affects property owners throughout the state, including Michigan’s community associations, the Michigan Supreme Court substantially altered premises liability law. On July 28, 2023, the Court ruled in the cases of Kandil-Elsayed v. F &...