icon on Nevada regulators are reviewing the state’s mandatory homeowners association (HOA) dispute resolution system amid growing criticism that it is costly, time-consuming, and often ineffective for homeowners. Under current law, homeowners must complete alternative dispute resolution—typically mediation, a referee program, or arbitration—before they can file a civil lawsuit, yet none of these steps produce binding outcomes. State officials with the Nevada Real Estate Division say they are exploring “potential improvements” to make the process more efficient as HOA disputes continue to rise, particularly in Southern Nevada, which has one of the highest concentrations of HOAs in the country. Data cited in the article shows dispute filings peaked in 2024 before falling sharply in 2025, suggesting dissatisfaction or disengagement with the process. Howard & Howard government relations attorney David Edelblute, who has direct experience navigating the system, noted that mediation is the default path because it is cheaper, but it frequently fails to resolve disputes since either side can walk away without consequence. He also explained that the faster, less expensive referee program is often unavailable because HOAs can unilaterally refuse to participate, leaving homeowners at a disadvantage against better-funded associations. Any substantive changes to the process would require legislative action, with possible proposals not expected until the 2027 session.
This summary is based on the Las Vegas Review Journal article, "Nevada's HOA Dispute Resolution Process Could Get Makeover", published March 31, 2026.