Thinking about buying a short-term rental in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA)? You need to listen to this first. In this episode of STR Law, we sit down with one of the nation’s top HOA attorneys, Kevin Hirzel of Hirzel Law, PLC, to break down everything short-term rental (STR) investors must know before purchasing property in an HOA-governed community.

We dive deep into:
✔️ The real power HOAs have to restrict or ban short-term rentals
✔️ What to look for in the HOA’s bylaws, CC&Rs, and meeting minutes
✔️ How and when HOAs can amend rules—and whether you’re protected
✔️ The difference between HOA restrictions and municipal zoning laws
✔️ How to spot red flags before you buy
✔️ What legal options you have if your STR is suddenly targeted
✔️ Real-world case studies of HOAs cracking down on rental investors

Kevin Hirzel brings a wealth of experience as the Managing Member of Hirzel Law, a Michigan-based law firm that exclusively handles condominium and HOA law. With a national reputation for representing both associations and homeowners in high-stakes litigation, Kevin has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, FOX News, and Detroit Free Press. He also serves as a board member for CAI and teaches continuing legal education on HOA topics.

Whether you’re a seasoned STR investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stay legally compliant and avoid devastating HOA surprises.

Want to talk to Kevin? https://hirzellaw.com/

Want to book a call with Katie - book your free consultation https://calendly.com/katiejohnsonplc/15-minute-consultation

Keywords: HOA and short-term rentals, STR investor tips, Kevin Hirzel HOA attorney, Homeowners Association podcast, HOA bylaws STR, investing in HOA property, short-term rental restrictions, STR law podcast, real estate investing and HOAs, legal advice for Airbnb investors

Katie brings land-use litigator Kyle Konwinski onto STR Law to unpack the blockbuster lawsuit that forced the City of Northville, Michigan, to reopen its two main downtown streets—just in time for local businesses to survive the summer. Spoiler: Kyle’s clients won.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How COVID-era “temporary” street closures morphed into a permanent May-through-November shutdown that gutted weekday foot traffic and slashed some store revenues by 75 percent.

• Why Kyle organized 700+ owners and residents into a nonprofit, “Let’s Open Northville,” to pool funds and gain standing for injunctive relief instead of damages.

• The legal playbook:

  • Platted-street rights—owners in a recorded plat hold a private, perpetual right to vehicular access.

  • Takings and ADA claims that amplified pressure on the city.

• Trial highlights: historian testimony proving the 1840 plat, before-and-after revenue data, and the election of pro-reopening councilmember Laura Genitti.

• Key takeaway for STR hosts and investors: when a municipality overreaches—whether it’s a street closure or an STR ban—banding together through a nonprofit can level the field and produce real wins.

  
  

  Kyle Konwinski, Partner at Varnum LLP
  P 616/336-6894

  kpkonwinski@varnumlaw.com

• Resources & Next Steps

• • Follow @KatieTheReAttorney on Instagram for extra clips and case updates.
  • Love the show? Leave a rating and share with a fellow host.
• • Need a free consultation? Schedule a call with Katie

In this powerful first episode of STR Law, real estate attorney and Airbnb investor Katie Johnson sits down with Sarah Glidewell from the Karwells to unpack the two-year legal odyssey that nearly shut down her Cadillac, Michigan short-term rental, colloquially known as "Orange Cadillac." From city lawsuits and zoning nightmares to grassroots campaigns and a bold pivot to podcasting, Sarah shares how she rallied neighbors, business owners, and local officials to flip the vote and get her property rezoned.

You’ll learn:

• How to navigate rezoning battles and city council politics

• Tips for gaining neighbor and business support

• The impact of deed restrictions—and how title insurance may (or may not) protect you

• Why working with a local attorney can change everything

• The power of persistence, vulnerability, and one last cold-call visit

Whether you're a new host or seasoned investor, this episode is a masterclass in staying legal, strategic, and resilient in the face of regulatory chaos.

Want to book a call? Click here to schedule your free consultation. Katie is licensed in Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.

Want to get in touch with Sarah? Follow her on instagram - @thekarwells or listen to her next podcast here.

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