Helpful information for every homeowner.

For Michigan condominiums and site condominiums, key documents often include the Master Deed, Condominium Bylaws, Subdivision Plan, Articles of Incorporation, rules, policies, and recorded amendments.

Traditional subdivision associations may rely on recorded deed restrictions or a Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions, along with bylaws, rules, policies, and amendments.

Review the most current versions of your documents to understand responsibilities, assessments, voting, and property restrictions.

Michigan condominiums are governed by the Michigan Condominium Act and their recorded condominium documents.

A site condominium may look like a traditional subdivision with detached homes but is legally structured as a condominium.

If you are unsure how your community is structured, review closing documents, title work, the recorded declaration or Master Deed, or contact your association.

Regular assessments may fund landscaping, snow removal, insurance, utilities, management, accounting, common-area maintenance, administration, and reserve contributions.

Special assessments may be approved for major expenses such as roof work, road repairs, drainage issues, structural repairs, or storm damage.

Unpaid assessments can lead to late charges, collection activity, and other remedies allowed by governing documents and applicable law.

Include your name, property address or unit number, the documents requested, and a reasonable way for the association to respond.

Common requests include budgets, financial statements, governing documents, rules, insurance information, contracts, assessment information, and reserve information.

Record-access rights vary by association type, governing documents, corporate structure, and applicable Michigan law.

Projects that may require approval include fences, decks, sheds, pools, generators, exterior paint, landscaping changes, solar panels, and EV charging equipment.

A complete request generally includes a project description, dimensions, materials, colors, site plan, contractor information, and relevant photographs or product details.

Association approval does not replace permits, zoning approvals, inspections, utility clearances, or other governmental requirements.

Michigan’s Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act took effect April 2, 2025.

Covered improvements may include EV charging equipment, heat pumps, insulation, rain barrels, reflective roofing, energy-efficient windows, and solar water heaters.

Review your association’s current solar or architectural policy and confirm local permitting requirements before beginning work.

Useful complaints include dates, locations, photographs when appropriate, and a clear description of the specific rule or condition involved.

Some matters, such as property-line disagreements, personal harassment claims, municipal noise violations, and certain drainage disputes, may require a different path.

Michigan LARA provides educational resources but does not function as a general enforcement agency for disputes between condominium associations and co-owners.

The association’s master policy generally protects association-owned or insured property according to the policy and governing documents.

Condominium owners commonly purchase an HO-6 policy, which may cover personal property, liability, interior improvements, additional living expenses, and other losses.

Ask your insurance agent to review the association’s coverage requirements and your governing documents before assuming you are covered.

Stop the source safely if possible, notify the association or management company promptly, document damage, and contact your insurance carrier.

Association-maintained components and homeowner-maintained components vary by governing documents.

A leak that begins in a common element does not automatically mean the association is responsible for every damaged item.

Membership meetings may be used for elections, owner voting, community updates, and other association business.

A quorum is the minimum participation required before certain association business can be conducted.

Do not assume every community uses one-home, one-vote; some Michigan condominiums use voting percentages established in the Master Deed.

Gather assessment information, account balances, special assessments, governing documents, current rules, association contacts, and any open architectural or violation matters.

Buyers should review restrictions that may affect leasing, pets, parking, exterior improvements, and other community rules.

Request resale documents, status letters, or account information as early as the transaction allows.

Register your contact information, set up your homeowner portal if available, confirm assessment amounts and due dates, and save association contact information.

Obtain and review the Master Deed or declaration, current bylaws, rules, parking restrictions, pet restrictions, leasing restrictions, and architectural requirements.

Confirm maintenance responsibilities, insurance coverage, trash procedures, and how to submit maintenance requests before issues arise.