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...
Property Damage
Reconsidering the “Open and Obvious” Doctrine: Implications of the Michigan Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision
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 &...
Preventing Mold and Water Damage in Your Condominium Association: Proactive Steps for Managers and Boards
From frozen pipes, broken appliance supply lines, to roof leaks and leaking drain pans, in townhome and attached condominiums, these and other sources of water intrusion can quickly wreak havoc for owners and the association if not handled properly and quickly....
What Every Board Member Should Consider to Reduce Assessments
A condominium association’s board of directors has a seemingly endless list of responsibilities, but one of the most important – at least in terms of its impact on the membership – is the adoption of an annual budget. In simple terms, adopting a budget requires the...
Davis vs. Echo Valley Condominium Association: Guidance for Associations on Reasonable Accommodations and Nuisance Actions
The decline of smokers and smoking within one’s home in recent decades has led many co-owners in attached units to expect a relatively smoke-free living environment. However, the legalization of marijuana, first for medical purposes and now recreational use, has...
Avoiding the Improper Denial of Association Insurance Claims
One of the primary functions of a condominium’s governing documents is to establish the respective responsibilities of the association and the co-owners for maintaining, repairing and replacing all property located within the condominium project. Often times, these...
Insuring Condominium Property Under a “Single Entity” Insurance Policy
One of the primary functions of a condominium's governing documents is to establish the respective responsibilities of the association and the co-owners for maintaining, repairing and insuring everything located within the project. During the early days of condominium...
Hoarding – Understanding and Successfully Addressing the Problem
It's a condition that affects between three and five percent of all Americans, both men and women. With an aging baby boomer generation, experts predict that the problem is only going to get worse. It’s called hoarding and for condominium associations, particularly...
Association Property Damaged by an Automobile – What Every Association Should Know to Recover Under Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Laws
When people think of Michigan's No-Fault Insurance Act ('Act'), their mind is likely drawn to thoughts of a roadside automobile accident. But what if an automobile damages subdivision common areas or condominium common elements? Under State law, drivers are required...