The Utah HOA Ombudsman is a new state office that helps resolve disputes between homeowners associations and residents. It serves as a neutral third party to encourage compliance, mediate disagreements, and educate both sides on their rights and obligations under Utah law.

The office operates within the Utah Department of Commerce to reduce legal costs and court backlogs while promoting fair, informed communication in shared communities.

The office commonly assists with:

• Complaints about HOA fees, fines, or late payment penalties
• Disagreements over bylaws, rules, or access to common areas
• Maintenance and repair issues involving shared property
• Questions about elections, records, or board transparency
• Guidance for landlords who rent within HOA communities

The role is educational and mediative, not punitive. The office may investigate and support compliance under Utah’s HOA statutes, including Utah Code §§ 57-8a-101 and related provisions.

Homeowners, tenants, or landlords can file a complaint directly with the Ombudsman. The process typically involves:

Most disputes involve financial fairness, maintenance responsibilities, or transparency. Common examples include:

• Improper late fees or special assessments
• Denied access to records or voting rights
• Landscaping, exterior changes, or parking rule disagreements
• Rental property owners caught between HOA rules and tenant behavior

For serious or repeated violations, cases may be referred for enforcement under the Utah Community Association Act.

Landlords in HOA communities must balance tenant needs with association rules. The Ombudsman can clarify which rules apply, help mediate landlord-HOA disagreements, and outline the steps needed for compliance.

Tenants may also seek guidance if HOA rules affect access or quality of life, such as amenity use or parking. While lease terms remain in place, the office helps ensure HOA enforcement aligns with Utah housing law.

The Ombudsman promotes voluntary mediation to resolve issues quickly and affordably. If problems persist, the office can:

• Recommend corrective actions to the board
• Refer matters to the Utah Department of Commerce
• Educate boards and owners on relevant Utah Code sections

Mediation through the Ombudsman is free or low cost compared to private counsel and often faster than filing in court.

If mediation fails or one party refuses to cooperate, homeowners and landlords can file claims in small claims or district court. The Ombudsman cannot represent you, but documentation from the process may support your case. Escalation is common when:

• The HOA ignores or violates notice requirements
• A landlord faces financial harm from improper actions
• Mediation attempts are unsuccessful or repeatedly delayed