The latest issue of the Oakland County Bar Association’s Laches publication highlights an article on “Michigan Community Associations Should Begin Preparing Now to Accommodate Senior Residents Aging in Place” written by John D. Gwyn. With the last of the baby boomers turning 60 in 2024, community associations should begin preparing now to deal with residents aging in place. The article offers tips and suggestions on how to best assist the […]

A critical issue that could impact the autonomy of community associations in Michigan regarding green energy and energy efficiency policies is pending in the Michigan Legislature. House Bill 5028 may affect Condominium and Homeowner Associations (HOA) associations regarding their governance as to green energy and energy efficiency policies that affect residents.  Specifically, communities must determine the most effective ways to implement eco-friendly initiatives while also preserving the democratic rights of […]

In Michigan the law is clear as to the duties of condominium associations to provide written statements to purchasers of units located in the condominium regarding unpaid assessments, interest, late charges, fines, costs and attorney fees. However, when it comes to homeowners that own lots in subdivisions governed by a Homeowners’ Association (HOA), the law is not as clear-cut. Therefore, prospective purchasers should be aware of any outstanding items that […]

Attorneys John Gwyn and Joel Ashton from the Firm’s Community Association and Real Estate Law practice group are at the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Annual Conference and Expo today, Friday, March 3.  If you are attending the Conference, please plan on stopping by CMDA’s booth (#201).  We look forward to sharing information on the various legal services our Firm’s Community Association and Real Estate Law practice group provides.

Even before the pandemic and recent inflationary concerns occurred, there had been a steady rise throughout the country of individuals renting or borrowing goods rather than buying and owning them. This concept has carried over to residential communities whereby homeowners have monetized their homes and condominium units through peer-to-peer online activities involving the shared economy. Of course, short-term rentals through platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo have flourished in the […]

CMDA Attorney John Gwyn from our Livonia office was recently the presenter at a webinar sponsored by the Oakland County Bar Association (OCBA) Real Estate Committee. He spoke on issues relating to Michigan’s short-term rental laws, including legislative updates and the ever-changing impact these laws have on landlords, tenants, municipalities, and community associations. Additionally, Mr. Gwyn wrote an interesting article on whether short-term rental occupants are considered tenants or guest […]

The Federal Appeals panel affirmed an opinion by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan over the granting of Summary Judgment in a condominium case that has broad ramifications. The Plaintiff claimed her Defendant next door neighbor was aggravating her preexisting asthma condition due to the frequent smell of smoke emanating from their unit. This action turned into what is regarded as a landmark case. It relates […]

Attorneys John Gwyn and Joel Ashton from the Firm’s Community Association and Real Estate Law practice group participated in the Community Associations Institute’s (CAI) Great Exhibitor Outdoor Fair at Mill Race Park in Northville, Michigan.  John Gwyn was a speaker at the event’s Q&A Education Panel of Experts where he offered his legal expertise on a variety of questions regarding Homeowners’ Associations and Condo Associations. Both attorneys enjoyed interacting with […]

John Gwyn, an attorney in our Livonia office, recently attended the Community Associations Institute (CAI) 2022 Annual Law Seminar in California. While at the seminar, and unbeknownst to him, the national presenters chose to feature one of Mr. Gwyn’s cases as an example of the complicated interplay between tort, easement, and contract law. The case involves a Circuit Court Judge in Macomb County agreeing with CMDA that claims made in […]

CMDA is proud to announce that John D. Gwyn has been recognized as a “Go To Lawyer” for Real Estate and Condominium Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. The publication recently launched a “Go To Lawyers” program that identifies and recognizes the top 20 lawyers across the state in a given practice area, and we are thrilled that Mr. Gwyn was selected as a top lawyer in real estate and condominium […]