OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – A family in one of the damaged buildings in an Oakland County complex said they’re paying hundreds of dollars a month in association fees for a condo they have not been able to live in since a 2024 explosion.
The Orion Township explosion, suspected to have been caused by a gas leak, occurred in November 2024 at the Keatington New Town Condominiums.
One of the affected residents, 85-year-old Evelyn, lost everything and has not been able to return. There is no building in that spot now.
Her son, John Malm, said his mother is now paying rent on a new apartment while continuing to pay her condominium association fees.
“The issue is the financial impact to people like my mother,” John said.
A document John shared shows his mother was required to pay hundreds of dollars each month in homeowners association dues and special assessments last year.
At one point, those payments totaled $770 a month, on top of $2,000 a month in rent at her new place.
“The financial burden is real. She’s on a fixed income,” John said.
John said he understands that, under current rules, his mother is obligated to pay her HOA dues.
But he is asking the association to temporarily suspend those fees for residents who cannot live in their units until they are built.
He is drafting a letter to the homeowners’ association, seeking relief for his mother and others in a similar situation.
“The right thing to do, in my opinion, is if they would be able to offer relief; 100% relief on association fees until such time an occupancy permit is in hand and they can move back in and receive the benefits for what they’re paying,” John said.
The letter is expected to be submitted ahead of the HOA’s meeting next month.
Local 4 contacted the property management team, which is in communication with the HOA board.
They told us to email them, and someone from the board would get back to us.
They also mentioned construction on the condominium buildings is scheduled to begin this summer.