A homeowners association's confusing communication caused one Nevada resident to be hit with hundreds in fines.
They shared the story to r/HOA, explaining that they got the go-ahead from their HOA to install solar panels, only to get hit with a fine over a year later and asking, "What options do I have?"
"A few months after I purchased my home, I decided to get solar," the Redditor wrote. "Nevada is a right to solar state, so the HOA cannot disapprove the application … Solar company did all the work, received approval from the HOA, and solar was installed. Fast forward a year. HOA sends me a violation notice that I don't have an application on file for solar."
In a right-to-solar state like Nevada, homeowners associations can't prohibit solar panel installations, but there may be some restrictions, like informing the HOA beforehand.
The OP did everything right, but HOAs are notorious for this kind of behavior. Another homeowner had the same situation happen to them — despite receiving approval, the HOA changed its mind.
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Commenters recommended a course of action for the OP.
One user suggested, "Keep good records and, if the HOA decides to take this to court, you should have enough evidence to get it dismissed."
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"Find the original approval. If you have that this should all go away," another commenter said.
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