Rachel Hillegonds, Grant Schertzing and Bob O’Brien discuss the main consumer protection laws in Michigan. These include the Landlord and Consumer Relationship Act, Truth in Renting Act, Michigan Consumer Protection Act and some other consumer laws relating to renting. Many of the laws govern the relationship, communication and language in the lease between tenant and […]

Bob O’Brien and Rachel Hillegonds discuss landlord/tenant evictions in residential rentals. Topics include the eviction process, the steps needed to complete the process legally and in compliance with statute – including types of notices, differences in types of eviction actions, notice periods, timing requirements and much more.

Matt VanDyk and Sara Lachman discuss the issues that surround short term rentals. There are a variety of impacts, good and bad, on municipalities, surrounding property owners and the owners of the rental properties.  Matt and Sara discuss the issues, regulations, recent case law surrounding short term rentals and more.

Bob O’Brien and Karen Custer discuss vacation actions, which isn’t what you may think. Vacating a plat is a somewhat obscure part of a property law. Bob and Karen discuss why a vacation may be desired, the issues and challenges surrounding this type of action, the process and more.

Grant Schertzing, Matt VanDyk and Cindy Ortega discuss how certain contracts must be in writing and signed to be enforceable. The law requires that for certain high value or high dollar contracts, they must be in writing to provide objective evidence of terms and prevent fraud. The key question relates to an estate or interest […]

Miller Johnson attorney Matt Van Dyk and Fred Perlini of Chicago Title are discussing title insurance focusing mainly on a commercial context.  Topics discussed include a basic summary of what coverage one gets with title insurance, deleting exceptions, mitigation or shifting of risk through means like an seller’s affidavit, handling of survey issues, zoning endorsements and […]

Miller Johnson attorneys Jim Ens, Alan Schwartz and Matt Van Dyk discuss negotiating environmental provisions in a lease agreement for commercial or industrial property.  Topics include environmental concerns for prospective tenants, avoiding liability, Michigan commercial lease exceptions to tenant liability for property contamination and clean up, securing lang control in a lease situation so a […]

Miller Johnson attorneys Grant Schertzing, Cindy Ortega, and Karen Custer discuss easements and easement related issues.  Topics include what is an easement, who can hold an easement, what types of things are covered by easements, what is the difference between an easement and a license, the importance of having an easement in writing and then […]

Miller Johnson attorneys Karen Custer, Erick Starck and JJHenn discuss what should be done after a sales agreement has been signed. Topics include buyer and seller responsibilities including title commitment, evidence of financing approvals, physical inspections, envirnomnental due diligence, surveys, and more.

Miller Johnson attorneys Grant Schertzing, Jim Ens and Alan Schwartz discuss what to look out for in guaranties in real estate deals.  Topics include what are guaranties?, type of guaranties, insights from both the lender’s and buyer’s perspective on guaranties, guarantor defaults, and much more.