Leasing in Troy Condos: Rules to Check First

Thinking about leasing your Troy condo? Before you post a listing or sign a lease, a few rules can make or break your plan. Whether you want steady rental income or flexibility for the future, understanding your condo documents and local requirements will save you time and stress. In this guide, you’ll get a simple checklist of what to read, who to ask, and which laws apply in Troy and across Michigan. Let’s dive in.

Start with your condo documents

Your condo’s master deed, bylaws, and rules decide if and how you can lease. In Michigan, bylaws may include leasing limits and tenant requirements, so start there first. Review the most recent versions and any recorded amendments to see what changed over time. If you’re buying with plans to rent later, make your offer contingent on reviewing these documents.

• Minimum lease term and whether short-term stays are prohibited.
• Any rental cap or waitlist and how it is administered.
• Notice and approval steps before leasing.
• Required lease clauses, parking and amenity rules, pet policies, and fines.
• Insurance requirements for landlords and coverage minimums.
• Recent board resolutions and meeting minutes related to leasing.

Required notice and lease language

Michigan’s Condominium Act requires written notice to your association at least 10 days before you give possession or present a lease, and it allows associations to require lease terms that bind tenants to the condo documents. Review the statute and plan your timeline accordingly. See the leasing disclosure rule in MCL 559.212.

Rental caps and amendments

Some associations limit the percentage of units that can be leased. Significant rule changes often require a 2/3 co-owner vote, and certain amendments can trigger mortgagee approval procedures. Check the recorded amendment language and voting history. For background, see MCL 559.190 and MCL 559.190a. Also note that bylaws may include leasing restrictions under MCL 559.156.

Confirm Troy-specific rules

City zoning, licensing, and tax requirements can affect what type of leasing is allowed, especially for short-term use. Before advertising stays under 30 days, confirm your property’s zoning and whether any approvals or licenses are needed. City planning and zoning staff can guide you to current requirements and the correct process. For contacts and meeting schedules, visit the City’s Zoning Board of Appeals page.

Short-term stays under 30 days

Short-term rentals can be regulated differently than standard 6- or 12-month leases. Beyond zoning and licensing, shorter stays may trigger occupancy or use taxes. For statewide context on short-term rental taxes and debate, see this Michigan short-term rentals overview. Always confirm current Troy policy before listing a short-term rental.

Registration and inspections

Many Michigan cities use rental registration or inspection programs. Policies change over time, so call Troy’s Planning or Building Department to confirm whether any local registration, inspections, or fees apply to your condo lease.

State and federal rules

Even when an association allows leasing, you still must follow Michigan and federal laws on fair housing, disclosures, and landlord responsibilities.

Fair housing and screening

Leasing must comply with federal and state fair housing protections, including how you advertise and screen tenants. Review Michigan’s fair housing resources for protected classes and current guidance on screening and reasonable accommodations. Start with Michigan fair housing guidance.

Lead-based paint disclosure

If your building was built before 1978, you must give tenants the EPA/HUD lead hazard pamphlet and disclose any known lead-based paint information before a lease is signed. Learn more from HUD’s lead disclosure rule.

Landlord responsibilities

Michigan law outlines security deposit rules, notice timelines, habitability duties, and eviction procedures. Get familiar with the basics before you lease. A plain-language overview is available at Michigan Legal Help.

Pre-lease checklist

• Get the master deed, bylaws, rules, recent amendments, and association policies in writing.
• Ask the association to confirm leasing is permitted and whether any rental cap or waitlist applies.
• Note the minimum lease term and any tenant application or approval steps.
• Add required lease clauses and plan for the 10-day notice under MCL 559.212.
• Verify Troy zoning and any city licensing or tax obligations for short-term stays.
• Confirm parking, amenity access, pet rules, and any tenant fees.
• Set your security deposit and notices to comply with Michigan law.
• Provide lead disclosure if applicable and keep proof in your file.
• Maintain required landlord insurance and coverage limits.

Risks to avoid

• Association violations can lead to fines, loss of privileges, and legal action, including summary eviction of a noncompliant tenant under MCL 559.212.
• City enforcement on short-term rentals can include orders to stop operations and potential penalties if zoning or licensing is ignored.
• Late-stage rule changes, like adding a rental cap, may require owner and mortgagee approvals under MCL 559.190a. Always confirm the amendment history before you buy or lease.

Ready to lease with confidence?

If you want to lease your Troy condo without surprises, get clear on your documents, confirm city rules, and set a compliant lease. For help coordinating documents, timelines, and a strong property marketing plan, connect with Jerome Dixon for hands-on guidance tailored to your goals.

FAQs

What does Michigan’s condo law require before leasing?

• Michigan’s MCL 559.212 requires owners to give written notice to the association at least 10 days before delivering possession or presenting a lease, and it allows associations to require lease terms binding tenants to the condo documents. See MCL 559.212.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Troy condo buildings?

• It depends on both your condo’s governing documents and city rules; confirm zoning, any licensing, and taxes with Troy’s planning staff via the City’s ZBA and planning page.

Can my HOA cap or restrict leasing?

• Yes, Michigan bylaws may include leasing restrictions under MCL 559.156; major changes can require a 2/3 vote and sometimes mortgagee approval under MCL 559.190 and MCL 559.190a.

What lease language is typically required for Troy condos?

• Associations often require a clause stating the tenant will follow the condo documents and that the association can enforce rules; owners must provide notice and a copy of the lease under MCL 559.212.

Do I need to give a lead-based paint disclosure?

• If your building was built before 1978, federal law requires you to provide the EPA/HUD pamphlet and disclose known lead hazards before a lease is signed; see HUD’s guidance on lead disclosure.

What fair housing rules apply when I screen tenants?

• Federal and Michigan fair housing laws apply to advertising, screening, and leasing; review state resources for protected classes and best practices at Michigan fair housing guidance, and see a landlord overview at Michigan Legal Help.