Detroit & Chicago Business Organizations Legal Blog
What are the ins and outs of noncompete agreements?
It is not unusual for businesses in Michigan and across the United States to include noncompete agreements in their employment contracts. Whether you are looking to sign a contract with a major corporation or you are responsible for creating a new hire contract, it is...
Is your co-op protected from liability?
Few, if any, housing cooperatives are self-sustaining entities. You need to rely on vendors and other businesses to supply your members with certain necessities, such as cable hookups and snow removal. However, what happens if a vendor or contractor causes harm? Who’s...
What governing factors can you include in an HOA contract?
Operating a Home Owners Association or HOA in Michigan allows you to maintain some control over certain behaviors within your community to prevent problems that result in animosity, discomfort and frustration for residents. Having each of your residents sign the same...
Does our HOA have to have an election?
The culture of your HOA depends on your particular community, but all HOAs are generally required to hold elections for leadership positions. In some communities these may be relatively well contested seats, and in others it may seem like the same people will be in...
Is my NDA enforceable?
Business owners want to keep their recipe for success a secret. But many know they must share information with third parties to continue growth and maintain a healthy bottom line. Because of this, many enter nondisclosure agreements with third parties they work with....
How can an HOA collect unpaid dues?
If you are one of the many people who have taken the responsibility of being on the board of directors for your neighborhood homeowners' association, you likely feel a great sense of pride in where you live. Your willingness to step in and contribute to your...
Can my landlord discriminate against me for being Muslim?
With refugees coming in from the Middle East, Michigan has seen an increase in Muslim populations. The good thing is that your landlord cannot discriminate against you based on your religion. You have rights as a tenant if your landlord does discriminate against you...
What things can HOAs regulate?
If you just became a new member of the board of directors for a homeowner's association, you need to be aware that HOAs are very powerful organizations. You also need to be aware that while most homeowners in the neighborhood welcome and abide by the HOA’s...
Income exemptions for HOA income taxes
There can be a lot of confusion around HOAs and tax returns. While you may think that you do not have to file a tax return as an HOA because you are technically a nonprofit entity, the truth is that the government views HOAs as corporations. As a corporation, you must...
New federal guidelines for disabled residents and service animals
Millions of disabled Americans rely on service animals for physical and emotional support. But they did not always have a dog in the fight for fair housing. The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires property owners and cooperatives to change no-pets rules so people with...
