On September 18, 2025, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an unpublished but significant decision addressing whether a nine-month residential lease violated deed restrictions prohibiting “business or commercial purposes.” In Timber Lake Drive Property Owners’...
Recent advancements in communication technology have helped to reshape the governance of community associations. What was once an uncommon method of participation has now become a common method of community governance. Virtual and hybrid meetings offer flexibility and...
Running a successful community association is a lot like running a professional football team. Both require strategy, teamwork, and clearly defined roles. In football, the players and coaches each have distinct responsibilities, yet they share a common goal....
It is critical for community association boards to distinguish between restrictions contained in the governing documents and the rules or regulations adopted by the board. Amendments to governing documents, such as the master deed, bylaws, or declaration, generally...
Michigan community associations are typically established as nonprofit corporations under state law. However, this designation does not automatically create an exemption from federal income taxes. To obtain such an exemption, an association would have to apply to the...
In homeowners and condominium associations, the board of directors is typically responsible for overseeing the operations of the community. This includes maintaining common areas, enforcing rules, managing budgets, and making long-term decisions. The board holds...
In July 2025, the Michigan Supreme Court affirmed the Michigan Court of Appeals’ ruling that a covenant restricting property to “single family residence purposes” is sufficient, on its face, to prohibit short-term vacation rentals. This case, Melvin R. Berlin...
A community pool is one of the most valued amenities in a homeowners or condominium association, offering residents a place to relax, exercise, and connect with neighbors. However, without thoughtful policies in place, this shared space can become a source of...
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...
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....