There are a lot of reasons not to buy a condominium these days. Gordon Miller did it anyway. He looked past the homeowners-association dues that are rising across the country, and the special assessments that more buildings are charging for major repairs. He acknowledged that a condo probably wouldn’t appreciate as quickly as a single-family house, and might eventually be tougher to sell.    Read the article…………………………….

While the attention of much of Holland was centered on Tulip Time Festival fireworks over Lake Macatawa at dusk on Saturday evening, those who are sworn to protect and serve the Tulip City were still on the job dealing with issues elsewhere.   Read the article…………………………….

Dear Eric: We live in a 14-unit, mostly self-managed condo building. We have been here 17 years. The woman above us had been here 25 years (or more) when we moved in.  Over the last several years, she has become increasingly difficult. It did not help that I was on the condo board when she was not paying her assessments, not fulfilling her chapter 13 plan, etc.   Read the Q&A………………………………..

A battle is unfolding in picturesque Lafayette Park, where residents are trying to stop a private utility company from digging up parts of their nationally recognized neighborhood to install high-pressure steam infrastructure that they say would damage the historic character of the area and endanger children.   Read the article…………………………….

Fire ripped through a four-unit condominium building on Dawes Avenue SE. (Grand Rapids Fire Department)Grand Rapids Fire Department   Read the article…………………………….

And just like that, the restoration project of four dams in mid-Michigan appears to be back on. The State Supreme Court has denied an application to appeal by a group of property owners, challenging a Special Assessment District. There is excitement on one side, disappointment on the other.     Read the article…………………………….

The Michigan Supreme Court on Friday, April 11, denied an application for leave filed by the Heron Cove Association (HCA) seeking to appeal the Jan. 6 judgment of the Michigan Court of Appeals on the grounds that the high court was not “persuaded that the questions presented should be reviewed by this court.”    Read the article…………………………….

In 2019, Portage resident Rick Freiman wanted to install solar panels on his roof, but his homeowner association would not allow it. That decision is no longer up to HOAs after Michigan adopted legislation last year. “I thought it was impossible to do and now it’s possible. It’s very rewarding,” Freiman said. Installation began early Friday morning. Workers climbed onto Freiman’s roof as he watched from the ground.   Read the article…………………………….

The Fenton Township Board recently approved resolutions supporting a local homeowners association’s efforts to control the area’s waterfowl population amid concerns about the risk of E. coli contamination at Silver and Marl lakes.   Read the article…………………………….

On Tuesday, March 18, the Fenton Township Board of Trustees held a public hearing and voted to approve the revised special assessment roll for the Glen Devon Water System Improvements Special Assessment District.   Read the article…………………………….

A federal judge has dismissed two lawsuits filed on behalf of residents living near where mid-Michigan dams that failed, causing catastrophic flooding in 2020.  U.S. District Judge Matthew Leitman on Thursday, March 20, issued an order dismissing all of Heron Cove Association’s (HCA) complaints in two lawsuits filed against Gladwin and Midland counties as well as the Four Lakes Task Force.  The Heron Cove Association expressed disappointment with the decision.   Read the article…………………………….

Residents of the Dupage Green Condominiums in Taylor were rattled by another nearby explosion Friday morning (March 14).  Dewey Allen, the head of maintenance for the condos, was in the community building when it happened. “This one shook the walls. It was severe,” he said. Carol Thompson, a resident, expressed the community’s frustration. “You don’t know when it’s coming,” she said. ”You always have the thought in the back of your head if it is doing any structural damage over ...

It’s one thing to know that a squirrel or a mouse is hanging out underneath the hood of your car but it’s another thing when they’re costing you thousands of dollars of car damage.  A Clinton Township community is no stranger to that.  Kevin Swee has lived at Crosswinds Condominiums for 15 years. In the last couple of years, he said the squirrels have become a real problem and have damaged his car twice in the last nine months.    Read ...

On February 19, 2025, FinCEN issued guidance that the Department of the Treasury recognizes that reporting companies may need additional time to comply with their BOI reporting obligations, and FinCEN is generally extending the deadline 30 calendar days from February 19, 2025, for most companies:    Read the article…………………………….

The following years were uneventful at the Village Stonegate Condo community on Lydia Lane. Then came Friday’s discovery of three children living alone, hiding out in a 1,300-square-foot condo that on the outside looks just like its counterparts on the charming tree-lined street.  “It’s mind boggling. … I can’t wrap my brain around it,” said Berry, who lives 10 units down from where the children were living. “I wish I could have seen them walk out of the house.”    ...

The legal struggle between Heron Cove Association and the Four Lakes Task Force will now go to the Michigan Supreme Court.  Heron Cove Association, a coalition of property owners in the Four Lakes Special Assessment District, announced on Saturday through law firm Foster Swift that it filed an application for leave to appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court, challenging the legality of the special assessment levied by the Midland and Gladwin County boards of commissioners and the Four Lakes Task ...

As Michigan surges ahead in the electric vehicle (EV) movement, a bold new initiative is set to transform urban landscapes. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has unveiled a remarkable $5 million program to install EV charging stations in multifamily residences, including apartments and condos.   Read the article…………………………….

Bellringing and seasonal decorations were not the only draws to the subdivision. The month of collection featured the Sherman Woods Chorus, visits from Santa Claus, the Grinch and horse-drawn carriage rides.  Since its inception in 2016, the Sherman Woods collection drive has raised $48,328 for the Salvation Army.   Read the article…………………………….

On January 23, 2025, the Supreme Court stayed the injunction blocking the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act. This means that corporate entities, including most community associations, subject to the Corporate Transparency Act are again required to submit Beneficial Ownership Information (“BOI”) reports with Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”). Under the Corporate Transparency Act, corporate entities subject to the law that existed prior to 2024 had until January 13, 2025 to file their BOI reports. Given that the ...

Michigan’s Court of Appeals upheld the imposition of special assessments on properties near Wixom, Sanford, Smallwood, and Secord Lakes to fund dam repairs and lake restoration.  The unanimous decision, issued Monday, Jan. 7, concluded that the Midland and Gladwin County Boards of Commissioners, along with the Four Lakes Task Force, acted within their legal authority under Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA).   Read the article…………………………….

In a Facebook post, the Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association said that porta potties are available at Browne’s Field for anyone to use. The post also instructed residents to fill a five gallon bucket with river water to use to flush their toilets if they can do so.  Harsens Island St. Clair Flats Association is a nonprofit homeowners association on Harsens Island run entirely by volunteers, according to its website.     Read the article…………………………….

On December 3, 2024, a federal court in Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc v Garland, No. 4:24-CV-478, 2024 WL 4953814, at *37 (ED Tex, December 3, 2024), temporarily halting the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act   Read the article…………………………….

FinCEN appeals nationwide Corporate Transparency Act Injunction: What is the impact on Community Associations? On December 3, 2024, a federal court in Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction in Texas Top Cop Shop, Inc v Garland, No. 4:24-CV-478, 2024 WL 4953814, at *37 (ED Tex, December 3, 2024), temporarily halting the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act.     Read the article…………………………….

Concerned about diminished coverage and longer response times when Tyrone Township exits the Hartland-Deerfield-Tyrone (HDT) Fire Authority on April 1, the Lake Shannon Homeowners Association in a letter requested a proposal for costs to contract independently for fire coverage from HDT.    Read the article…………………………….

On December 3, 2024, a Texas Federal District Court issued a nationwide preliminary injunction halting enforcement of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This decision applies nationwide. For now, condominium, subdivision, and community associations throughout the country do not have to comply with the CTA reporting requirements     Read the article…………………………….

In a devastating incident last week, several families in Orion Township were displaced after a condo explosion left two people critically injured.  As the dust settles, those affected are now focused on recovering their personal belongings and seeking assistance from the community.    Read the article…………………………….

A local church is welcoming in those impacted by Tuesday’s condo explosion in Orion Township, offering food, water, and a place to sleep.  Christ the Redeemer Church is located right across the street from the Keatington New Town Association condos, where the explosion happened.   Read the article…………………………….

Bell ringers will soon be out in the Sherman Woods neighborhood, a coveted area for those looking to take in colorful outdoor Christmas decorations.  This will be the ninth year residents and volunteers will help raise funds for the Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle campaign. The neighborhood has helped raise more than $42,000 since it started in 2016, according to the Sherman Woods Homeowners Association.   Read the article…………………………….

A condo explosion in Orion Township Tuesday night left at least two people hospitalized with serious injuries.  When the building exploded, it caused significant damage to other condos surrounding it.  Orion Township Fire Chief Ryan Allen said Tuesday night that a gas leak appeared to be to blame.   Read the article…………………………….

The fire broke out around 1:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at a condo complex where senior citizens live. Plymouth Fire Chief Pat Conely told WWJ Newsradio 950’s Jeremy Jenkins there was a “substantial hoarder situation” inside the condo.  The residents, whose ages were not released, called 911 from inside and police officers were the first to arrive at the scene.  When they arrived they discovered the front door was blocked by a grandfather clock.    Read the article…………………………….

Officials say more than 30 units have been damaged after a large fire broke out at a Southfield condominium complex on Monday afternoon.  Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee told WWJ Newsradio 950’s Darrylin Horne that 33 units were affected by the fire. Investigators believe the unit where it broke out did not have a smoke detector.   Read the article…………………………….

The Four Lakes Task Force updated its timeline for suspended construction on four mid-Michigan dams.  This comes following the dam failures back in 2020…….Last week, the Michigan Court of Appeals granted a motion from the FLTF to expedite the briefing schedule in connection with the Heron Cove Association’s lawsuit.    Read the article…………………………….

The Fenton Township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 30 for the proposed Glen Devon water system improvements special assessment district to bring municipal water to the neighborhood.  The Glen Devon Condominium Association on Lahring Road requested the township initiate a special assessment district to finance the cost of connecting their development to the Genesee County Southern Lakes Water Extension Project.   Read the article…………………………….

On Tuesday, July 16, the Fenton Township Board of Trustees held a public hearing on the proposed special assessment district to finance connecting the Landings at Crane’s Cove condominium subdivision to the municipal water system.   Read the article…………………………….

Homeowners’ associations across Michigan just lost the right to block energy efficiency elements in their neighborhoods like rooftop solar panels.  Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation today, July 8, 2024, that was previously adopted by both the state House and Senate to invalidate any HOA provisions against a litany of energy efficiency home improvements.    Read the article…………………………….

A new law is set to take effect in Michigan that would prohibit homeowners associations from limiting installation of solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, energy efficient windows and other energy-saving improvements. It would also prevent associations from banning clotheslines.  It’s a good bill. Homeowners’ association and historical districts often have extreme rules preventing people from making improvements to their property. These associations can stop someone from putting up a wooden fence or replacing deteriorated windows.   Read the article…………………………….

Q: We believe that the township has created a nuisance in regard to the manner they have corrected a roadway which later resulted in a sinkhole. Our board has been reluctant to take any action, but it has caused much damage to our community. This has become what we thought would be a permanent nuisance. What is your review on the timeliness of our claim?    Read the Q&A………………………………..

A group of rental condominium owners at three Boyne resorts in Northern Michigan have filed a lawsuit accusing the company of price gouging and fraud.  (Behind Crain’s subscription paywall………….)

Video news report……………………..

On Tuesday, June 18, the Fenton Township Board of Trustees approved a resolution and scheduled a public hearing regarding a request from the Landings at Crane’s Cove Homeowners’ Association for the township to initiate a special assessment district to finance the cost of connecting its subdivision to the municipal water system.  Read the article…………………………….

The Michigan Senate approved a measure with a vote of 2018 on Thursday. It grants homeowners’ associations (HOAs) members the right to set up electric vehicle gear, clotheslines, and equipment for energy conservation like rooftop solar panels. The expectation is that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will give her approval to this legislation soon.   Read the article…………………………….

A storm swept through parts of Oakland County late Thursday afternoon. The heavy winds and heavy rain caused property damage. There was also flash flooding.  They lasted about 20 minutes to 30 minutes, according to residents in the King’s Cove subdivision.   Read the article…………………………….

McLean has been working on the project for three years but says he has encountered roadblocks. The project needs approval from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), and the Western U.P Health Department (WUPHD) for onsite well water and septic.   Read the article…………………………….

The Sanford Lake Association says there is no backup plan that will restore Sanford Lake After a homeowner’s association filed a legal appeal pausing the ongoing construction.   Video news report……………………..

Warren fire officials say a man killed in a Saturday afternoon fire at his Bear Creek condominium likely suffered a medical emergency and did not die from smoke inhalation.  “We are still investigating the scene to determine a cause of the fire and we won’t be able to confirm what killed the victim until we see the autopsy results,” said Warren Fire Commissioner Wilbert “Skip” McAdams.    Read the article…………………………….

According to O’Brian, when firefighters arrived, they found “a heavily involved garage fire, and it was spreading up into the attic.  The fire spread to three units in the six-unit building and the other units were damaged by smoke.    Read the article…………………………….

Q: Do you have any update on the Marketable Record Title Act compliance dates, and I heard something about the Corporate Transparency Act? Can you explain how that affects community associations?   Read the Q&A………………………………..

Organizers are expecting a full house at the upcoming first-annual Hamburg Public Safety HOA Open Forum.  On April 17th, board members representing their neighborhood Home Owners Association (HOA) will gather to discuss a variety of issues relating to local communities.    Read the article…………………………….

The governing body of the four lakes and dams in Midland and Gladwin counties is hoping a court will expedite an appeal filed by a homeowners association.  Last month, the Heron Cove Association, formed to protest a special assessment by the Four Lakes Task Force to repair and reconstruct the Edenville, Secord, Smallwood and Sanford dams after the May 2020 flooding, filed an appeal of the assessment, claiming the taxes slated to be levied against property owners in the special ...

The governing body of the four lakes and dams in Midland and Gladwin counties is hoping a court will expedite an appeal filed by a homeowners association.    Read the article…………………………….