Homeowners’ advocate tapped for panel
Homeowners' rights advocate Jonathan Friedrich has been appointed to the Commission for Common-Interest Communities and Condominium Hotels, a regulatory body of the Nevada Real Estate Division that oversees management of homeowners associations.
Friedrich, a former contractor from Utah, was appointed by Gov. Brian Sandoval for a term through Oct. 1, 2014. He replaces vice chairman Favil West, whose term had expired.
Friedrich gained a reputation as a lobbyist for homeowners' rights by going to Carson City at his own expense to challenge the commission on a number of issues, including excessive charges by collection companies for HOA management firms.
He's one of three homeowner representatives on the seven-member commission, along with Scott Sibley and Marilyn Brainard. Other members of the commission are Randolph Watkins, Gary Lein, Robert Schwenk and Barry Breslow.
"I am seeking justice for homeowners and I seek truth and transparency," Friedrich, a resident of the Rancho Bel Air community in Las Vegas, said Thursday.
In 2010, the CCICH ruled that collection agency fees will be capped at $1,950, plus associated costs. Friedrich said those "associated costs" can run into thousands of dollars.
The Nevada Real Estate Division showed arbitrators' fees ranging from $1,000 to $19,000 in one case, and attorney fees of $30,000 to $200,000.
Contact reporter Hubble Smith at hsmith@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0491.
