Any changes to the Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws must be documented in the county in which the community is located.
Once you buy a home that's part of an HOA, you automatically become a member of the HOA. HOA rules are legally binding, and you must adhere to all rules and regulations in the governing document. Yes, there are bylaws that you may not like, but there are no HOA loopholes.
First, the individuals or parties desiring the change will propose an amendment, and then a vote takes place on whether to approve the proposed change. The voters will include the co-owners and mortgagees of properties within the association. For the amendment to pass, there must be a two-thirds approval vote.
Under the newly enacted Homeowners' Energy Policy Act (the “Act”), signed into law by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on July 8, 2024, HOAs can no longer prohibit unit owners/homeowners from installing a wide range of energy-efficient upgrades.
In general, homeowners can request HOA documents that cover the following: Governing documents, including the CC&Rs, bylaws, articles of incorporation, community plat, and operating rules; All board and membership meeting minutes and notices; Membership lists; All insurance policies of the association;
To the extent an HOA's activities implicate any consumer protection statutes, the HOA is subject to the enforcement power of the Michigan Attorney General. Importantly, homeowners' associations are bound by its governing documents (Bylaws, Declaration, Articles of Incorporation).
You can contact your local government office for assistance. For example, you can visit the California Attorney General's HOA Consumer Information page for more details. Online Databases: There are online databases and resources that compile HOA documents. These can be helpful if your HOA participates in such programs.
In Michigan, an HOA is typically established by filing Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. These articles provide the legal foundation for the association and include key details such as the association's name, purpose, and the initial board of directors.
To change HOA bylaws in Michigan, a majority vote from the association members is typically required, following procedures outlined in the original bylaws with adherence to the governing documents and state laws.
Homeowners often ask whether local laws supersede the rules and regulations set forth by their homeowner association (HOA). The short answer is yes, local laws do supersede HOA rules.