For Immediate Release

September 8, 2025

 Utah Department of Commerce launches the Office of the Homeowners’ Association Ombudsman

New Ombudsman Office to Guide HOAs and Residents Through Education and Dispute Resolution; Mandatory Re-registration for All Associations

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – The Utah Department of Commerce (Commerce) is excited to announce the official launch of the Office of the Homeowners' Association Ombudsman (Office), a new resource created to assist Utahns in navigating the complexities of community living. The Office, established by HB217, sponsored by Representative Neil Walter in the 2025 Legislative session, will serve as a neutral party to help resolve homeowners' association issues and provide educational resources on the HOA boards' and residents' rights and responsibilities.

 "The launch of our HOA Ombudsman Office represents a significant step forward for our state and a true commitment to strengthening trust between Utah's homeowners and community associations," said Margaret Woolley Busse, Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce. "We're here to offer essential support and resources, helping homeowners and associations build stronger, happier neighborhoods."

 In conjunction with the launch of the Office, the Department is also pleased to announce the appointment of Erin Rider, JD/MBA, as the Office Director and Ombudsman to lead the office. Erin has significant legal and legislative experience and extensive knowledge in corporate governance and public advocacy, and is supported by Chris Binning as staff attorney and Amy Peuler as legal assistant.

 "Our office is here to make a tangible difference by offering practical, accessible services like impartial advisory opinions on questions of state law and valuable educational resources,” adds Rider. “We are dedicated to helping residents and associations navigate issues and build stronger relationships."

 The three primary functions of the office are to:

• Maintain the new HOA registry, which includes a new annual renewal requirement.
• Provide advisory opinions on questions of state law.
• Offer educational resources through its website and various training sessions.
   

For advisory opinions, the office will review requests from either owners/residents or the association, gather responses from all parties, and then issue a written opinion. The office will only address questions of state law and will not provide legal advice or mediate disputes concerning an association’s specific rules and regulations. The office may also informally resolve concerns during this process.

 Call to Action for HOAs:

Due to the new Office and registration system, all homeowners’ associations must re-register with the state by visiting the new Office website. Non-compliance with the registration requirements may prevent an association from imposing or enforcing liens against a homeowner, so timely re-registration is crucial to ensure compliance with state law and access to the vital resources and services provided by the office. The Office recommends all associations bookmark hoa.utah.gov and use it as a first step for advice and dispute resolution.