Editorial: Happy ending to a renter’s nightmare

Thursday, Dec. 3, 1998 | 11:56 a.m.

Some of the reasons cited by the homeowners association for acting against Hunt included damaged window blinds and feeding ducks in a lake on the complex's property. Her children also were accused of riding skateboards and the family was alleged to have walked into the complex by forcing open the exit gate.

Hunt acknowledged feeding the ducks -- which she says she will no longer do -- but denied the other accusations. The board agreed Monday to let the family stay through the end of its lease next summer, as long as she pays any fines if the board determines that she is guilty of any of the allegations.

While she is relieved that this chapter is over, Hunt is rightfully upset over what happened. "I'm still angry," she told Sun reporter Martin Kuz, who detailed Hunt's plight on Sunday. "One day we have a place to live, the next day we didn't know if we were going to be homeless."

There are excellent homeowners associations, but some wield their power like a sledgehammer. The Nevada Legislature passed needed reforms in 1997, but more needs to be done. Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, the author of last session's homeowners legislation, believes a three-person state board should be established to resolve association disputes. It is time to put a tighter rein on homeowners' associations until they can demonstrate better judgment in enforcing their community's rules.

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