Preserve Mallard Lake

Preserve Mallard Lake. Protect Our Future. Amend the Bylaws.

Secure our property values and preserve the quality of life in our community.

Preserve Mallard Lake with Rental Amendments

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1. Maximize Property Value & Sale Potential

Too many rentals can reduce lender confidence and lower appraisals by signaling a less stable, less invested community.

  • Higher owner-occupancy supports stronger comps and appraisal values.
  • Stable, owner-occupied communities attract conventional, value-preserving buyers.
  • Neglected maintenance lowers property values and neighborhood pride.
  • Rental limits help protect property values, standards, and homeowner investments.
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2. Ensure Long-Term Stability, Safety, and Accountability

Communities with invested homeowners are safer, more accountable, and more stable over time.

  • Owner-occupants are invested in long-term upkeep and rule compliance.
  • High rental turnover can reduce accountability and increase safety concerns.
  • More transient tenancy is often linked to police reports and documented safety issues.
  • Lower turnover means familiar neighbors, stronger engagement, and shared responsibility.
  • Stable, owner-occupied communities experience fewer rule violations and conflicts.
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3. Protect the Lake Area

Our lake makes this neighborhood desirable—not just to families, but to investors and short-term rental operators. Without protections, it risks becoming a commercial destination instead of a residential community.

  • Prevent short-term rentals and commercial use from disrupting the residential atmosphere.
  • Protect the peace, privacy, and character of lakefront homes.
  • Preserve the quality and enjoyment of shared amenities like the lake.

What You Can Do: Take Action to Preserve MLNA

We have the power to amend our Declaration and safeguard the community's future. The process is clear and simple:

  • 1 Draft the necessary legal amendments and language.
  • 2 Achieve the required Two-Thirds (2/3) affirmative vote from the membership.
  • 3 Record the approved amendments with the county to make them official and legally binding.

Preserve What Makes Us Unique—Protect What Comes Next.

Why This Matters: Our Family's Story

A boy and his dog.

When our family moved to Mallard Lake North four years ago, we chose it for its character, stability, and natural beauty. We grew up in neighborhoods like this—places where children could ride bikes, neighbors knew each other, and families felt safe.

For the most part, that has been our experience. But this past year has shown us how quickly that sense of security can be shaken.

We’ve experienced dog attacks, threats of assault, trespassing, and harassment. Before that, we witnessed an arrest at a rental property and even saw a firearm confiscated. No family should have to go through this in their own neighborhood.

We love this community, and we want to protect it—for our children, and for every family who lives here. We hope you'll join us in preserving the safety, peace, and long-term value of Mallard Lake North.

Thank you,
The Nowickis

Legal ways we can Preserve Mallard Lake North

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Option 1 - Ban Rentals

There is strong precedent that supports rental bans for Illinois HOAs, even for current homes that are being rented out.

  • Case: Apple II Condominium Ass’n v. Worth Bank and Trust Co.
  • Outcome: An HOA in Illinois banned rentals, including current ones, via amendment.
  • The amendment was upheld in court because the HOA’s Declaration did not explicitly grant the right to rent, and the HOA's right to amend the Declaration was an inherent condition of a landlord's ownership, meaning the landlord consented to potential changes when they bought.
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Option 2 - Regulate Rentals

Our Board can adopt reasonable regulations to improve rental relations. Regulations can be enforced through fines.


Examples of regulations might include:

  • Tenant Accountability: Homeowners are responsible for tenant violations and must correct them within a specified timeframe.
  • Tenant Acknowledgment of Rules: Tenants must acknowledge receipt and understanding of HOA rules prior to move-in.
  • Homeowner Contact Requirement: Homeowners must provide a 24/7 contact for tenant-related issues.
  • Tenant Emergency Contact Update: Homeowners must provide updated tenant emergency contacts.
  • Tenant Move-In/Move-Out Notification: Homeowners must notify the HOA 30 days prior to tenant changes.
  • Proactive Property Maintenance: Rental homeowners submit annual maintenance plans demonstrating compliance with HOA property standards.
  • Pet Restrictions: Homeowners ensure tenants comply with HOA pet policies.
  • Clarifying Pond Access: Our bylaws clearly state that only members can use the pond, yet rental advertisements list pond access to tenants as an amenity.
  • Certificate of Insurance: Require landlords to submit a certificate of homeowner’s liability insurance with the HOA.
  • Clarifying HOA Eviction Rights: Ensure the HOA has clear authority under Illinois law to take enforcement action, including eviction, for tenant violations that materially impact the community.

These proposals can become part of our governing documents.

Our HOA needs to discuss these ideas and consult a lawyer to make them a reality.

Preserve What Makes Us Unique—Protect What Comes Next.

Community Future: Submit Your Bylaw Ideas

Rental amendments are just the first step in modernizing our governing documents. What other changes would make our community stronger, fairer, and more desirable? Use the form below to submit ideas for future amendments the Board should consider.