Frequently Asked Questions

We aim to provide answers to some common queries and concerns raised by our valued homeowners. Whether you’re looking for information about community amenities, property maintenance guidelines, or HOA policies, you’ll find helpful insights within this section. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the ILEHA board. We are here to assist you and ensure your experience within Indian Lakes Estates is enjoyable and fulfilling.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Homeowners Association (HOA)?

A Homeowners’ Association (HOA) is a legal entity created to enforce the community’s governing documents, which in Indian Lakes Estates include the Bylaws, Deed Restrictions, and general Rules & Regulations or Covenants, as well as to manage the common amenities of the community. Indian Lakes Estates’ Homeowners Association (ILEHA) – is a nonprofit corporation formed on November 26, 1979. The Homeowners' Association is to manage and control common property in each of the Plats (Indian Lakes Estates No.1-4) for the mutual benefit of the owners of all lots. ILEHA is entitled to impose dues on all lots owners, and to fund the expenses of the HOA in fulfilling its rights and obligations under the restrictive covenants, and enhance the best interests of all lot owners in all of the Plats. Membership in ILEHA reflects part ownership of ILEHA assets, and is paid for initially upon purchase of any lot, and then by payment of annual "dues." Members govern Indian Lakes Estates through an elected Board. The Board Members are responsible for the day-to-day management of the association.

What are the Deed Restrictions?
In Indian Lakes Estates, the Deed Restrictions are what are often called in other HOAs “Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions” (CC&Rs) or Assessments. A real covenant is a legal obligation in a deed imposed by the seller upon the buyer of a lot. Such restrictions are enforceable on all future buyers of the property. ILEHA Members are bound by all deed restrictions in Indian Lakes Estates. Examples include to maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair, to not run a business from a residence, or otherwise harm property values. In Indian Lakes Estates this includes receptacles for disposal of household trash, outdoor parking or storing of any vehicle or recreational device, on-site exploration or removal of sand or gravel or other subsurface minerals, vegetable gardens, fences and hedges, and anything essential to maintain a high-quality aesthetic living community.
What are the Bylaws?
The Bylaws set the rules regarding the normal governance and operation of ILEHA Board. They set forth definitions of offices and committees involved with the Board of Directors. They include voting rights, meetings, notices, and other matters involved with operation of the ILEHA.
What is the Board of Directors (BOD)?
The Association has an elected Board of homeowners who volunteer their time and energies on behalf of the entire neighborhood. Their job is to establish policies, adopt and oversee the budget, ensure that financial obligations are met, contract for common area maintenance, appoint committee members, etc. New Board Members are elected once a year at the Annual Association Meeting and serve for a two-year term. Terms are staggered to provide continuity from year to year, with three members elected every year (one person per section). Each year, the ILEHA-BOD shall nominate no less than one candidate from each of the three sections of Indian Lakes Estates at least 30 days before the date of the election. Members of the Association whose dues are current may nominate candidates for the Board of Directors from the floor or vote for write-in candidates. There are four positions in the Board of Directors: President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
What are Dues?

The Homeowner Association's fiscal year runs June 1 - May 31. Homeowner Association dues of $125 are billed annually in May. The Board sends each homeowner a letter informing them of the amount of the assessment, due date, where to send payment, etc. New homeowners should contact the Board prior to the due date if they do not receive the notice letter. Current Indian Lakes Estates dues information can be obtained by contacting the ILEHA Board Members at board@ileha.org

Payments should be sent to...

ILEHA

Attn.Treasurer

4805 Arapaho Trl

Okemos, MI 48864

If there is a need to raise dues, written notification will be made to all Association members two weeks prior to the annual meeting that an increase in dues will be voted on at the annual meeting.

What happens if I don't pay my dues/assessment?
If any owner fails to pay dues to the Homeowners' Association when due, the amount of the dues, plus attorney fees and other costs of collection, plus interest on all of these amounts at the rate of 7% per annum, shall be a lien on the owner's lot. The lien shall be evidenced by a Notice of Lien recorded with the Ingham County Register of Deeds specifying the amount of the assessment, and its due date.
What is a Lien?
A monetary claim levied against a property for unpaid mortgage, taxes, contractor work, or other charges. A lien is attached to the property, not the owner, but legally must be recorded in the property records of the county of residence. For example, if a lien is in place, property can only be sold if the lien is satisfied or removed before the sale can be completed.
What do I need to do when I am ready to sell my home?
If you are planning to sell your Indian Lakes Estates home, you should be certain that your property is free of liens against it, since these continue to be your responsibility and could cause a delay in the settlement of the sale of your home. If you are not sure about this, contact the Board of the Association and the Title company that will handle the sale settlement.
If I have my house for sale, should I pay the Association annual dues?
Because it is always uncertain when exactly you are going to close the sale of the house, you should always pay the Association dues by the last day of June. After this, at the time that you will close the sale, the Title company will calculate the amount of dues for the rest of the year that you will not be the owner of the house. This amount of money should be paid to you by the new owner during the closing of the sale.
When are the Association Meetings?
Board of Directors meetings are currently held once every three months. Members who wish to place an item on the agenda for discussion at a meeting, or who wish to speak to the Board about a problem or concern, should notify the Board or their Section's representative(s) in advance to arrange for space and schedule time for adequate discussion. Another meeting is the Annual Association Meeting, held in late Spring, typically at the Community Church, on Okemos Rd. Several weeks prior to the meeting, each homeowner is sent a notice specifying the date, time, and place of the meeting as well as agenda items. All Association members are strongly encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting.
Are there any policies about pets?
Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dog on a leash, to immediately clean up any feces or excrement left behind, and to have control at all times.

ILEHA Deed Restrictions' Section on NUISANCES (b) states that, "Permitting any domestic pets or other animals to become a nuisance, or building or maintaining any house or pen for domestic pets or other animals outside of the principal residence" is a violation.

ILEHA Deed Restrictions' Section on NUISANCES (r) states that, "Any activity or condition that would be a violation of any ordinance of Meridian Township" shall not be permitted. The Meridian Township Ordinance Section 54-37 states : "Dogs and other pets. (a) Permitted. Dogs and other pets may be brought upon park property, unless posted otherwise. (b) Control. Any dog on park property shall be upon a leash of six feet or less, unless posted otherwise, and shall be under the immediate control of a competent person at all times. (c) Removal of feces. Any person having custody of a dog on park property shall immediately remove all feces deposited by such dog on any public footpath, athletic field or other area frequented by the public, and shall dispose of same in a sanitary manner. (d) Public buildings. No dog or pet shall be allowed to enter any public building. (e) Application to guide, service, or leader dogs. This section does not prohibit the use of guide dogs, service dogs, or leader dogs as provided and defined in section 502c of the Michigan Penal Code (MCL 750.502c). (Code 1974, § 34-10)"

What is the Parking Policy in Indian Lakes Estates?
Vehicle parking on driveways and on the street in front of houses is limited to temporary parking of guests or resident’s vehicles. Overnight parking of vehicles on the street is not recommended. No outside parking area shall be permitted in front yard (such as parking on the grass), exclusive of driveway. Long term parking or storing of automobiles, trucks, campers, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, or any other vehicle on the street, driveway, yard, or front extension of the house is not allowed. All such vehicles must be wholly stored in garages or other outbuilding approved by the ILEHA. Please review your ILEHA Deed Restrictions for complete details.
When do I need to get approval for changes to the exterior of my property?
Specific information regarding types of exterior improvements that require architectural review approval from the ILEHA Board can be found in the Governing Documents. A few examples of work that require approval include installation of fencing, walls, decks, patios, etc. Homeowners should also check with the Board prior to doing any exterior project to ensure that materials are harmonious with the surrounding homes. Please be aware that some projects may require approval and a building permit from Meridian Township or Ingham County.
Can I build a fence?
Fences (and even hedges) are restricted—erecting such requires approval.

From our Deed Restrictions-AERIALS, AIR CONDITIONERS, FENCES AND SWIMMING POOL and our NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION BY INDIAN LAKES ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS

“As provided in the Restrictions for Section 1, Section 2,, and Section 3, no fences are to be erected in those subdivisions without the prior written approval of the Association as to material, location, and height.”

“The only fences which the Association will approve on a lot within Section 1, Section 2, and Section 3, are those located on the lot (a) to enclose an outdoor inground swimming pool, (b) to protect yard plantings during the winter months, to be erected no earlier than October 15th, and removed by no later than the following April 15th, and (c) to protect new landscape plantings for a period not to exceed six consecutive months.”

“Fences identified in paragraph 2 require written approval of the Board of Directors as the exact location, and the material and height, before being installed. In each case, the lot owner shall submit a written request for approval to the Board of Directors, including plans/drawings.”

Please see Deed Restrictions and Board Resolution for additional details.

I witnessed acts of vandalism or a crime in the community, what can I do?

You are encouraged to always report any suspicious or deliberate acts happening in Indian Lakes Estates. You can do three things:

  • If the act is in progress, call 911 and report to the Police; otherwise, call the non-emergency Police Dispatch number, 517-332-6526.
  • If the act is not in progress and was against ILE property (in any of the common areas), contact the ILEHA Board as soon as possible.
  • Consider joining a Neighborhood Watch.
When is trash collected?

Currently, all household refuse, which includes trash, recyclables and yard refuse, are collected Tuesday by a local company, Granger - Michigan Trash Pickup and Recycling.

Trash is picked up weekly and recyclables bi-weekly--refer to their schedules for exact dates:

Please remember that Indian Lakes Estates residents should place their refuse containers or bags at the curb the evening before the collection, and to promptly remove any containers from the curb following the refuse pick up.

If I am having a problem with a neighbor for a violation of the Covenants/Restrictions, what can I do?
If residents cannot neighborly resolve a situation between themselves, then please turn to the Association. Should you have a situation that does not appear to be resolved through neighborly means, contact the ILEHA Board to explain the situation.
What is a “Non-Compliance Letter”?

The Association informally monitors compliance with the Bylaws and Deed Restrictions. If a homeowner’s property or action is found in violation, you will be, first, informally notified of the issue by a member of the Board — most violations are resolved with this first step. However, if this first step does not resolve the issue, a “Non-Compliance Letter” from the Board is sent to the homeowner reminding them of the need for addressing the issue in compliance with the Association Bylaws. If the homeowner does not comply with the actions outlined in the Non-Compliance Letter, the Board will take further steps that may result in legal action and/or penalty fees.