Michigan Condo Right to Access For Maintenance Questioned

B.S. from Michigan writes:

Dear Mister Condo,

I live in a 4-unit building that is part of a larger condo. The unit at one end of the building has been in foreclosure for over six months. We have heard that it has been sold but our association gives us no definitive answers. As it turns out, this unit has the sump pump controlling all four units and recently needed a plumber. The association said they have no jurisdiction over the unit and did not possess a key so the plumber had to break the lock on the unit so he could repair the sump pump. What is the Michigan Condominium Act Law for our association having access to this unit to keep our units from flooding? Thanks for any help you can provide.

Mister Condo replies:

B.S., thank you for writing. It just so happens that I have some friends in Michigan who practice community association law. I reached out to one of my friends to get you an answer. Here is what the expert had to offer:

“The Association has an obligation to repair and maintain the common elements.  They have a right of access.  The right of access is likely in the condominium bylaws as well.  The Association should try and contact the owner.  If the bank is the owner, they should have a department that would allow for access.”

Here is a link that discusses the situation in more detail:

Access Denied! . . . Or is it? The Condominium Association’s Right to Request Entry to a Unit to Inspect for Default

That sounds like some great advice to me, B.S.. Good luck!