If you are tired of the way Spring Mountain Ranch and First Service Residential are treating you, you’re not alone. Most of the people I talk to about this feel the same way. Unfortunately that doesn’t bother either the board, or FSR, and neither one seems to have nay reason to care if we are happy with them.
The only way to get their attention is through legal action. The good news is that Nevada makes that process fairly simple and painless for the homeowner.
Before you do anything, remember that FSR is our only line of communication with the board (they can’t be troubled with us peasants) and they will cease all communications with you and refer you to their lawyer if you even hint that you have talked to a lawyer or are filing suit. You don’t owe them any information, and it’s none of their business if you have asked a lawyer about the specifics of your dispute, so don’t mention anything about an attorney. If they fail to address your dispute, just go ahead and file the forms and let them find out when they are served with the papers. This will keep lines of communication open as long as possible.
The law in Nevada requires you to attempt alternative dispute resolution (we’ll call it ADR from here on out), before you can drag them into court. You, and the HOA, can both choose to go through a non-binding referee who will look at the evidence, talk to both sides, and make a recommendation, and one referee visit per year is free, subsidized by the state. I chose the referee option when filing my papers this week, but FSR and the board could choose to refuse that and go with non-binding arbitration instead. Arbitration would cost me money, so I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if they do choose that option, though it is rare for an HOA to do so.
If either side disagrees with the referee, or arbitration judgement, then you can take the case to court. In my case that would be small claims court because the amount in dispute is less than $7500. At least it is for now. Once Red Rock Financial starts to tack on fees it can get out of hand fast, which is why you should get those papers served as soon as possible. There’s a reason Red Rock Financial and FSR were inducted into the HOA Hall Of Shame by Channel 13 a few years ago (watch the video here ). I wasted far too much time negotiating with these people and should have taken this to the referee a year ago.
There are two forms you can fill out, depending on whether your problem is with the board or with First Service Residential. If your issue is with the board, you’ll want Form 530 which you can download HERE. If it is with FSR, you can use Form 514 which you can download HERE.
Whichever form you use, you’ll need to send a statement of allegations to them first. An email will work for this, and you can download Form 514a to read the specific instructions. Clearly state what you believe the problem is, and what you want them to do about it. Then give them 12 days to respond before filing the form.
After this you’ll be filing the second form Form 530, also linked above. Fill it out online (you can do this in most browsers) and then print three copies. Sign then and send them to the Ombudsman’s office with a check for $50 to cover the filing.
The office will send you back papers that you have to serve to the board and/or FSR. You can do that by having them served to FSR at
First Service Residential
8290 Arville Street
Las Vegas, NV 89139
This starts the process of getting them in front of the referee to answer for their actions. If you need help with ANY part of this process, please contact me via the contact page here on the site. I will print out form and bring them to you, help you fill them out and understand the process, or anything else you need. I want everyone to join me in holding these people accountable.
You’ll likely be seeing signage and billboards in the neighborhood soon. If you have a good place for a sign (they can’t go in your yard) or would like a car magnet, contact me and I’ll have one shipped to your home right away.