Michigan Condominium Act

The Michigan Condominium Act (the “Act”) was enacted in 1978 and is now over thirty-five years old. While significant amendments were made to the Michigan Condominium Act in 2001 and 2002, the Act does not currently meet the needs of various stakeholders. In 2015 and 2016, the Michigan Legislature introduced five (5) bills that either amended or would amend the Michigan Condominium Act. However, as discussed in my article, The Michigan Condominium Act: Time for a Change, a complete overhaul of the Michigan Condominium Act is necessary.

While the issues with the current version of the Michigan Condominium Act are too numerous to be addressed in a single article, my article will identify a variety of problems with the current Michigan

Resolving the taxable status of units that later remain in the condominium as common elements pursuant to MCL 559.167.

3. The creation of a mechanism to resolve internal conflicts between the articles of incorporation, master deed, condominium subdivision plan, condominium bylaws and the condominium rules.

4. Making all structures and common elements as “must be built” by default if they are not labeled as “need not be built” as required by MCL 559.166.

5. Providing more flexibility with respect to the expansion of condominiums pursuant to MCL 559.132.

6. Providing a single mechanism to withdraw land from a condominium instead of having the differing statutory provisions contained in MCL 559.133 and MCL 559.167.

7. Creating a statutory mechanism that would allow a court to reform obvious drafting errors contained in a master deed, condominium subdivision plan or condominium bylaws.

8. The creation of a set of standards that governs master associations such as setting a transitional control date under MCL 559.152, requiring an audit or review under MCL 559.157 and requiring a vote to amend a master declaration under MCL

Clarifying the rights and responsibilities of successor developers under MCL 559.235.

12. Creating standards related to technological changes such as electric vehicles and solar panels.

13. Creating a reasonable default requirement to obtain quorum to make it easier for condominium associations to transact ordinary business.

14. Creating mandatory minimum insurance requirements for condominium associations that currently do not exist under Mich Admin Code, R. 559.508.

15. Incentivizing reserve fund studies instead of arbitrarily requiring a minimum reserve fund equal to 10% of the association’s current annual budget on a noncumulative basis pursuant to MCL 559.205 and Mich Admin Code, R 559.511.

16. Reducing the paperwork involved in condominium purchases by eliminating the Michigan Condominium Buyer’s Handbook under MCL 559.184a or alternatively allowing for documentation to be provided electronically.

17. Requiring disclosures in condominium re-sales instead of only requiring disclosures in the sale of new condominium units pursuant to MCL 559.184a.

18. Simplifying the escrow and/or bond requirements to complete the “must be built” portions of a condominium under MCL