Nashville Homeowner Threatened with Fine for Using Generator During Winter Storm

HOA claims generator violates community standards, later grants one-time exemption

Jan. 30, 2026 at 9:23am

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A Nashville homeowner, Talia Caravello, says her homeowners' association threatened to fine her for using an emergency generator to keep her family warm during a devastating winter storm that left thousands without power. The HOA claimed the generator was a fire hazard and didn't fit the community's aesthetic standards, but later granted Caravello a one-time exemption to use the generator until power is restored.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the tensions that can arise between homeowners' associations and residents during emergency situations, where individual needs for safety and comfort may conflict with community rules and standards. It raises questions about the flexibility and compassion of HOAs in responding to extraordinary circumstances that impact the well-being of their residents.

The details

Talia Caravello, a Nashville resident, purchased a generator and set it up to power her home after losing electricity during the recent winter storm. Just hours after turning on the generator, she received an email from the management company of her South View on Second townhomes community, Metropolitan Properties, demanding that she remove the generator immediately, claiming it was a fire hazard and did not fit the community's aesthetic standards. The HOA threatened to fine Caravello if she did not comply.

  • The winter storm that left thousands without power in the Nashville area occurred last weekend.
  • Caravello received the email from Metropolitan Properties just hours after setting up the generator to power her home.

The players

Talia Caravello

A Nashville homeowner who used an emergency generator to keep her family warm during a winter storm that left thousands without power.

Metropolitan Properties

The management company for the South View on Second townhomes community, which threatened to fine Caravello for using the generator.

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What they’re saying

“Please remove it immediately”

— Metropolitan Properties, Management company

“Super angry because why is that even a possibility right now? Why do they care so much when people are just trying to stay warm and survive?”

— Talia Caravello

What’s next

After repeated requests for comment, Metropolitan Properties agreed to grant Talia Caravello a one-time exemption to use the generator until power is restored in the community.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the need for homeowners' associations to balance community standards with the urgent needs of residents during emergency situations. It underscores the importance of flexibility, compassion, and a willingness to adapt to extraordinary circumstances that impact the safety and well-being of the entire community.