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, 2024 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...
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...
The time is always right to do what is right. Martin Luther King, Jr. A new Michigan law went into effect on December 13, 2022 called the Discharge of Prohibited Restrictive Covenants Act (“Act”). This Act gives Michigan property owners and Michigan community...
Makower Abbate Guerra Wegner Vollmer PLLC is proud to announce that it has been named one of the “Best Law Firms” for 2023 by U.S. News World Report and Best Lawyers®. The publication named Makower Abbate Guerra Wegner Vollmer as a Metropolitan Tier 1 firm, the...
We are excited to announce we have expanded and opened another location. Our new office is located at 455 E. Eisenhower Parkway, Suite 300, Ann Arbor, Michigan right off State Street on the south end of the city. It is easily accessible from Interstate 94 and will...
Honored for The Highest Level of Service to the Practice of Community Association Law Steve Guerra, Managing Partner of Makower Abbate Guerra Wegner Vollmer PLLC, has been granted fellowship in the College of Community Association Lawyers (CCAL). More than 4,000...