HOA Lawyer in Reno, Nevada
Reno west and south sides are home to large master-planned and gated communities, from Somersett and ArrowCreek to Damonte Ranch and Double Diamond Ranch. In Nevada, those associations are governed by NRS Chapter 116, which gives homeowners specific rights and remedies. Looking for a Reno HOA lawyer? Milan Chatterjee, licensed in Nevada, represents Reno homeowners in disputes with their associations from the firm's Las Vegas office.
HOA disputes we handle for Reno homeowners
Why Reno homeowners face HOA disputes
Double Diamond Ranch Master Association covers 3,104 homes in 26 villages, with parks and miles of trails. Somersett's owners association manages a large hillside community with trails and golf. ArrowCreek is a guard-gated golf community, and Damonte Ranch is one of the area's largest planned neighborhoods. Large shared amenities mean large shared budgets.
Infrastructure disputes have shaped these communities. After rock walls collapsed in Somersett in 2017, the owners association sued developers and contractors and lost on a statute of repose ruling. In ArrowCreek, residents bought the golf club out of bankruptcy in 2014. Disputes like these turn on deadlines, contracts and who owns what.
Fire is part of the picture too. The 2011 Caughlin Fire in southwest Reno and the 2012 Washoe Drive Fire in Washoe Valley destroyed homes in the region. The Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District sets defensible space rules for many neighborhoods. Rental rules differ by location: as of 2026, the City of Reno has no formal short-term rental program, while Washoe County permits rentals in unincorporated areas.
Your rights under NRS 116
NRS Chapter 116 applies to most Reno HOAs, from master associations to gated sub-associations. Fines generally require notice and a hearing first, and most are capped at $100 per violation or $1,000 per hearing (NRS 116.31031). Our guide to contesting an HOA fine walks through the hearing.
Covenant disputes generally must go to mediation before court under NRS 38.310. In Hamm v. ArrowCreek Homeowners Association (2008), the Nevada Supreme Court affirmed dismissal of a suit that skipped that step. Our Nevada NRS 116 homeowner rights guide covers each protection.
Small claims up to $10,000 and civil cases up to $15,000 generally go to the Reno Justice Court. Larger cases generally go to the Second Judicial District Court in Washoe County.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Reno HOA lawyer: frequently asked questions
Mostly the owners association and the golf club. After walls failed in 2017, the association lost its claims against developers on a statute of repose ruling, then settled with the club over costs. The lesson for owners is that construction defect claims have strict deadlines, so raise problems early and get advice before time runs out.
It depends on where the home is. As of 2026, the City of Reno has no formal short-term rental permit program, though a business license applies to owners renting three or more units on one parcel.
In unincorporated Washoe County, a county permit is required. Either way, your CC&Rs can still prohibit short stays.
Possibly, depending on the governing documents and any club agreements. When residents bought ArrowCreek's golf club out of bankruptcy in 2014, reports said residents would pay a monthly amount to operate the course. Read your CC&Rs and any club membership terms before you assume a charge is optional.
People also ask
Nevada generally sets a 10-year statute of repose for construction defect claims, measured from substantial completion (NRS 11.202). Owners and associations also must follow pre-lawsuit notice steps under NRS Chapter 40. If you see cracking, drainage or wall problems, document them and get advice early.
Often yes, if the CC&Rs or rules limit RVs, trailers or boats in driveways or on community streets. Nevada generally requires rules to be explicit and enforced evenly (NRS 116.31065). Ask for the written rule and any variance process before you buy or store a vehicle at home.
Generally yes. In guard-gated communities like ArrowCreek, the gates and private streets are usually common elements, so the association can set reasonable rules for guests, deliveries and contractors.
Rules must still be explicit and applied evenly. Ask for the written gate policy if access is denied.
It depends on the wording of your CC&Rs. Many use restrictions bar visible commercial activity, such as customer traffic, signs or deliveries, while quiet home offices often fall outside them. Read the exact restriction and ask the board in writing how it applies to your situation before you change your plans.
Facing a fine, a wall or drainage problem, or a rental question in Reno? A Reno HOA lawyer can review your documents and explain your options under NRS 116. Request a free consultation to talk it through.
About your Reno HOA lawyer
Milan Chatterjee is an attorney licensed in Nevada and California and a graduate of UCLA School of Law. From the firm's Las Vegas office, he represents homeowners in HOA and community association disputes across Northern Nevada, including Reno. His work covers foreclosure defense, assessment, CC&R and construction-related matters.
Address:
2620 Regatta Drive, Suite 102 Las Vegas, NV 89128
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday: By appointment
Sunday: Closed
