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.
It's important to note; while feeding birds is not illegal in Michigan, using a bird feed that attracts deer or elk is against the law. Under current DNR rules, using that kind of bird feeder is a $500 misdemeanor.
CDC reports the second (May 22) and third (May 30) cases of H5N1 bird flu virus infection in people who had exposure to infected dairy cows in Michigan.
Some people prefer not to feed birds in the spring and summer when there is abundant food. However, leaving your feeders up year-round is not a problem as long as you keep a few things in mind: If bears live near you, you should not keep feeders up during the warmer months.
Help birds feel safe near trees or shrubs Placing a bird table or bird feeding station near a tree or a shrub will help birds to feel safe, as it essentially cuts off a direction from which they could be attacked by a larger bird or a local cat.
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).
Any changes to the Articles of Incorporation or the bylaws must be documented in the county in which the community is located.
The DNR suggests taking extra precautions, like cleaning feeders weekly with a 10% bleach solution and avoiding placement near areas frequented by waterfowl. They've also stressed the importance of monitoring for sick or dead birds and reporting anything unusual.
A proper HOA request letter should include: Clear headers with date and contact information. The property address and owner details. A specific subject line identifying the request type. A concise project description. Relevant timeline and completion dates. Supporting documentation references.
A homeowners association cannot evict a homeowner the same way that a landlord can evict a tenant. A landlord typically has a lease that allows the landlord to give the tenant a certain amount of time to correct a problem, move out, or face eviction.