Michigan Community Association Laws
Condominiums (Act 59 of 1978), Nonprofit Corporation Act (Act 162 of 1982), Consumer Cooperative Act (Act 162, Ch. 11), Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987), Michigan Admin Code (R 559 & R 125). New: Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act (Act 68 of 2024). Reference hub
Michigan is documents-driven and court-enforced. Condominiums operate under a detailed statute plus administrative rules; most traditional HOAs rely on recorded covenants and the Nonprofit Corporation Act for corporate mechanics. State oversight is intentionally light—LARA publishes guidance (e.g., the Condo Buyer’s Handbook) but does not adjudicate disputes—so outcomes hinge on what’s written and properly adopted. Recent policy is owner-forward on energy upgrades: the 2024 Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act curbs HOA bans and requires solar policy statements. Net: clear condo rules, minimal bureaucracy, and a premium on process.
At a glance
- Condominiums: Act 59 of 1978 (+ Admin Rules) — documents, reserves, disclosures, assessments.
- HOAs (platted/subdivisions): No single HOA act; typically Nonprofit Corporation Act + covenants. New Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act effective Apr 2, 2025 (requires HOA solar policy within 1 year).
- Co-ops: Consumer Cooperative Act (Ch. 11); often organized as nonprofits.
- Manufactured housing: Mobile Home Commission Act + Manufactured Housing Commission Rules.
- Enforcement posture: LARA provides information/routing; disputes are handled via civil remedies and corporate law procedures.
Primary Statutes
Condominiums — Act 59 of 1978 (MCL 559.101–559.276)
Formation, master deed/bylaws, disclosures, assessments & liens, reserves, remedies.
Nonprofit Corporation Act — Act 162 of 1982 (MCL 450.2101–450.3192)
Corporate mechanics for most associations (meetings, voting, records, director duties).
Cooperatives — Consumer Cooperative Act (Act 162, Chapter 11)
Consumer coop governance (often used by housing co-ops).
Mobile Home Parks — Mobile Home Commission Act (Act 96 of 1987)
Licensing & regulation of parks; Commission powers; dealer/installer regulation.
Homeowners’ Energy Policy Act — Act 68 of 2024 (MCL 559.301–559.317)
Invalidates HOA bans on solar/energy-saving improvements; requires an HOA solar policy within 1 year of effective date (Apr 2, 2025).
Popular Sections (direct links @ Michigan Legislature)
Condominium Act (Act 59)
HOA / Corporate (Act 162)
Manufactured Housing (Act 96)
Administrative Rules (Michigan Admin Code)
Primary links use LARA’s Administrative Rules System (stable PDFs). Add mirrors for readability.
Condominiums
Manufactured Housing
Community Association Managers — Licensing
Is a Michigan “CAM” license required?
- No dedicated CAM license. Michigan does not license “community association managers.”
- Real-estate licensing can apply if performing brokerage/lease activities (Occupational Code, Art. 25).
Common voluntary credentials
Governing Documents & Overlays
- Condo docs: Master Deed, Bylaws, Condo Subdivision Plan, Rules/Resolutions.
- Subdivision HOAs: Articles (nonprofit), recorded covenants/plat restrictions, Bylaws, Rules/Resolutions.
- Federal overlays: FHA, ADA (where applicable), FDCPA (collections), FCC OTARD (antennas).
- State/local overlays: Building codes; Manufactured Housing rules for parks; local ordinances.
- Conflicts: Statutes and properly adopted rules can supersede conflicting documents; consult counsel.
Regulators & Contacts
LARA — Office of Policy & Legislative Affairs (Condos)
- Role: Publishes the Buyer’s Handbook; forwards complaints; does not enforce the Act or Rules.
- OPLA (Condominium info) · About LARA
- Contact LARA
Manufactured Housing Commission / BCC
Disclaimer
This page is a general reference and not legal advice. Laws and rules change; always verify the current text on the official linked sites and consult qualified counsel for your situation.
Last updated: September 9, 2025