2025 2nd quarter Update from the MI-LAC

Below is a brief summary of major bills the LAC is monitoring and the LAC’s legislative goals for 2025, along with a description of recent LAC advocacy events and fundraising efforts:

·       Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA):

Currently under the MRTA, community associations have until September 29, 2025 to take steps to preserve their recorded restrictions by recording a notice of claim.  This legislative session, the LAC anticipates introduction of a proposed amendment to the MRTA that may well impact that date, as well as change the scope of the restrictions extinguished. The LAC continues to lobby to ensure that the interests of community associations and their members are addressed in any amendment, including clarifying the MRTA’s inapplicability to condominiums and exempting from the MRTA’s scope as many other recorded residential restrictions as possible.  The LAC emphasizes that all CAI-MI members should continue to monitor any developments regarding the MRTA.  There will come a time in the near future when associations must take prompt action by recording a notice of claim or risk losing their recorded restrictions forever. 

·       Reserve Study Bill:

Though the LAC’s draft reserve study bill was introduced in the Michigan House during the last legislative session, it unfortunately was not enacted and must now be reintroduced.  The draft legislation proposes amendment to Section 105 of the Condominium Act, MCL 559.205 to require most condominium associations to conduct a reserve study every five (5) years, and to establish minimum standards for reserve studies.  The purpose of the draft is to ensure that condominium associations and their boards of directors have the tools necessary to make informed decisions about the adequacy of their reserve funds.  The LAC continues to push for this important legislation. The current minimum reserve funding requirements under the Condominium Act and the absence of any requirement for condominiums to conduct reserve studies means that for many condominium associations, it is only a matter of time before a significant capital improvement such as roofs or roads fall into disrepair, requiring either massive emergency assessments of expense loans, both of which could have been avoided with the insight and funding plans provided by a proper reserve study.

Advocacy Events:

·       “Lunch with the Legislators 2025”

The LAC’s now-annual event to meet with legislators in Lansing occurred on March 18, 2025 and was yet another success.  By maintaining and increasing visibility in Lansing and with the Legislature, the LAC continues to ensure CAI and its members voices and legislative priorities are heard.  Our focus this year was on the MRTA and the importance of reintroduction of the draft reserve study bill.

Fundraising for 2025:

·       On April 9, 2025, the LAC held a fundraiser at The HUB in Auburn Hills.  Food, drinks, raffles and axes made for an exciting evening!  The event was such a resounding success the LAC intends to hold the event there again in 2026.  For all those who attended and contributed, thank you for helping the LAC continue with its important mission.  And for anyone unable to attend this year – you missed out!  But fear not, you can look forward to joining us again in 2026! 

·       Dollar a Door Campaign – the LAC always encourages contributions of $1.00 per door in Condominium Associations.

Submitted by Matthew W. Heron, Esq., and Todd Skowronski, Esq., LAC Co-Chairs