As a member of the Board of Directors of your HOA, you know that the Fair Housing Act forbids it to discriminate against anyone belonging to a protected class. What you may not realize however, is just how extensive this list of protected classes is. The Homeowners...
Detroit & Chicago Business Organizations Legal Blog
A co-op’s options when a member stops paying assessments
Every co-op and homeowners' association (HOA) in the Detroit area depends on its members' assessment fees to stay financially solvent. Without this vital revenue stream, most associations will quickly run out of money for routine maintenance like lawn mowing, snow...
Do HOAs have the right to restrict religious displays?
Homeowner’s associations across Illinois, Michigan and the rest of the United States typically set guidelines by which residents have to abide. Yet, many HOAs run into trouble when residents feel as if their HOAs are singling them out or discriminating against them in...
How to better understand the other side in a negotiation
Your business contract might not yield the results you hope for if you lack confidence in negotiating the terms of the deal. To help yourself come out of your contract talks with your desired outcome, consider how to understand the perspective of the party you are...
HOA boards may be held liable for violating fiduciary duties
Many in the homeowner’s association think that board members and officers are interchangeable or do the same thing. This is not the case. There are differences, and they are important to note. The entire board of directors is responsible for managing the HOA. A select...
Service and assistance animals under the Fair Housing Act
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law that says, in part, that homeowners associations have to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities to prevent discrimination. Allowing members to keep a service animal or assistance animal is an example of...
How and why to preserve business ties
For a business owner, business ties serve as the lifeblood of any successful operation. These ties can make or break an organization. So how does a business owner go about preserving these ties in situations where they are at severe risk, such as in the event of a...
What should you know about pet restrictions in your HOA?
Homeowner's associations (HOA) often get bad reputations. However, an HOA is necessary in order to keep balance and harmony in a neighborhood. It is up to every resident to understand the rules of their own unique HOA. By moving into a house under an HOA's...
How should you handle discrimination complaints within your company?
When you own a business, you are responsible for creating a safe workplace for your employees. If there are discrimination claims within your business, you could face litigation if it gets out of control. According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission,...
Business litigation and the impact of a discrimination case
Whether your company employs 15 staff members or your firm has hundreds of employees, it is imperative to understand the consequences that can arise from a discrimination complaint. As a business owner, a discrimination case could wreak havoc in various ways. Aside...