Sitting on coop and condominium boards can be thankless volunteer job. The list of responsibilities is typically long, ranging from fielding questions from fellow residents to staff supervision to issuing assessments for major projects. Some board members may not...
Detroit & Chicago Business Organizations Legal Blog
The intersection of fair housing laws and co-op governance
Fair housing laws are crucial to ensuring equal opportunity in housing, aiming to eliminate discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status and disability. These laws are primarily governed by the Fair Housing Act of 1968 in the...
Race against time: Meeting CTA deadlines or facing severe penalties
As the clock ticks towards January 1, 2025, many business owners in the United States are scrambling to understand and comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This new legislation aims to increase transparency in business ownership and combat financial...
Essential guide to corporate governance in Homeowners Associations
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) help manage and take care of residential communities. They are legal entities that play a big part in ensuring everything runs smoothly. To do this, HOAs need good corporate governance. This means having clear rules and practices that...
How to resolve conflicting accommodation requests
The Federal Fair Housing Act (FHA) protects against housing discrimination. This law applies to many housing providers, ensuring fair treatment for all tenants. Yet, sometimes, tenants make requests that seem to conflict with each other. Here is a guide to help you...
Business succession planning: 7 key steps
In the business world, change is inevitable. Companies face changes like retirements, unexpected exits, or shifts in strategy, and they must be ready for new leaders to step in. Succession planning helps businesses stay strong by making sure they keep running smoothly...
Environmental due diligence: 3 key questions
Purchasing commercial real estate can be a lucrative investment. However, you may be at risk of legal issues if that property is polluted. You might also face challenges if previous owners did not follow the law. Before you purchase property, environmental due...
Commercial lease renewals: 5 practical tips
As the end of your commercial lease in Michigan approaches, it's time to sharpen your negotiation skills. Successfully navigating a lease renewal can secure your business's location while potentially improving lease terms. How can you confidently approach your...
Do housing co-ops need to accept emotional support animals?
Housing co-ops are a way to make homeownership accessible to a broader segment of the population. Co-ops offer shared spaces and amenities and a feeling of community for residents while imposing specific standards for those living in the community. A co-op can be a...
3 reasons to conduct a HOA reserve study
Homeowners Association (HOA) management involves numerous responsibilities, and one crucial aspect often overlooked is conducting a reserve study. Reserve studies are so important that they are mandated in select states. While there isn’t a statutory requirement to...