Each week we receive questions about condominium Common Elements, the responsibilities for them, and the relationship with Units. We will examine how they are defined, what are examples, who is responsible for decoration, maintenance, repair, replacement, and...
Firm News
Choosing the Right Personal Representative/Successor Trustee or Guardian for Your Children
When creating your estate plan, choosing who will handle your financial affairs after you pass away, the financial affairs of your children after you pass away, or the person who will care for your children after you pass away are very significant decisions. It is not...
Budgeting and Assessments for Community Associations
Recently we have received an increasing number of questions regarding community association budgets, their development and distribution, and their relationship with assessments. Here are some points for consideration. Annual Budgeting is Mandatory Some associations do...
Understanding the Differences: Living Will, Health Care Directive, and Durable Power of Attorney
When it comes to planning for the future, making sure your health care and financial decisions are handled the way you want—even if you can't speak for yourself—is a big deal. Three key documents can help: a living will, a health care directive, and a durable power of...
Why Did I Get a Late Charge When I Paid On Time? – Payment Application
Each week, we have a condominium co-owner, homeowners association member, or tenant ask a question such as, “Why did I get a late charge when I paid on time?” or “Why do I get a late charge every month when I am paying? The answer is that the account is carrying a...
Corporate Transparency Act Updates – The Continuing Whiplash
UPDATE: 3/2/25 "The Treasury Department is announcing today that, with respect to the Corporate Transparency Act, not only will it not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the beneficial ownership information reporting rule under the existing regulatory...
Handling Document Requests from Members of Residential Associations
Residential association managers and directors should bear in mind that association members (co-owners or homeowners) will always have some rights to review Association records. These requests can sometimes seem burdensome, but, given the unique and complex...
Understanding Short-Term Rentals in Condos and HOAs in Michigan
The growing popularity of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO has sparked significant interest among property owners, as well as concern among homeowners' associations (HOAs) and condominium associations. In Michigan, the regulation of short-term rentals...
It’s Election Time Again: Can Your Community Association Regulate Political Signs?
Each election season, we receive questions about political signs in condominiums and homeowners associations. Can community associations restrict political signs, and what are some of the considerations? Freedom of Speech There is a US Supreme Court case, Reed v. Town...
Indemnification in Community Associations
Indemnification is a contractual or statutory obligation for one party to compensate or defend another party for its liability or losses. Homeowners associations and condominium associations may encounter indemnification in their relationship with their directors,...

